Chapter Two
Prisoner in Castle Dracula
8 May
Iam beginning to feel that there is something very strange about this place. I need to write only facts in my diary to control my imagination.1
1 I need to write only facts in my diary to control my imagination.
When I got up after a few hours of sleep, I started to shave. My shaving glass hung by the window. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I heard the Count’s voice saying to me, “Good morning.”
I was greatly surprised that I had not seen him in the mirror. I jumped and cut myself slightly. There was still no reflection of the Count in my mirror even though he was just over my right shoulder!2
2 There was still no reflection of the Count in my mirror even though he was just over my right shoulder!
Then I saw the cut and the blood on my chin. I turned, and when the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with fury. He suddenly grabbed for my throat. I backed up and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix.3 It made an instant change in him. The fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe it was ever there.4
3 I backed up and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix.
4 The fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe it was ever there.
“Take care,” he said, “how you cut yourself. It is more dangerous than you think in this country.” Then seizing the mirror, he added, “This is nothing but trouble. Away with it!”
Key Words
prisoner (n): tù nhân
shave (v): cạo râu
slightly (adv): hơi, khẽ
reflection (n): sự phản chiếu
blaze (v): lóe lên, rực lên
fury (n): cơn cuồng nộ
grab (v): chụp lấy, vồ lấy
throat (n): cuống họng, cổ
back up (v): lùi lại
string (n): sợi dây, chuỗi
bead (n): hạt
pass (away) (v): trôi qua
seize (v): cầm lấy
nothing but : không có gì ngoài
He wrenched open the window with his terrible hand and he flung out the mirror. It shattered into a thousand pieces on the stones of the courtyard far below. Then he left without a word.
When I went into the dining room, breakfast was prepared, but I could not find the Count anywhere. So I breakfasted alone. It is strange that as yet I have not seen the Count eat or drink.5 He must be a very peculiar man! After breakfast, I did a little exploring in the castle. Doors, doors, doors everywhere, and all locked. There are no exits except the windows. I am a prisoner!
5 It is strange that as yet I have not seen the Count eat or drink.
As soon as I realized this, I heard a door below shut. I went cautiously to my room and saw the Count making the bed. This only confirmed my suspicions: there are no servants in the house. Now I am sure it must have been the Count himself who drove the coach.6
6 Now I am sure it must have been the Count himself who drove the coach.
Why did all the people at Bistritz have some terrible fear for me? Bless that good woman who hung the crucifix round my neck!7 It is a comfort to me.
7 Bless that good woman who hung the crucifix round my neck!
Choose all the things that Jonathan finds out.
a. All the doors and windows are locked.
b. There are no servants in the house.
c. The Count must have been the coach driver.
Key Words
wrench open (v): mở toang cửa
fling out: ném đi
(fling - flung - flung)
shatter (v): vỡ vụn
peculiar (adj): kỳ dị, khác thường
do exploring = explore: khám phá
cautiously (adv): thận trọng
confirm (v): xác thực
suspicion (n): mối nghi ngờ
fear (n): sự lo sợ
comfort (n): nguồn an ủi, sự an tâm
12 May
Last evening the Count began by asking me about legal matters for shipping.8
8 Last evening the Count began by asking me about legal matters for shipping.
“Suppose” he said, “I wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle or Durham or Dover. Would it be easier to hire a lawyer to claim these goods when they arrive?”
I explained to the best of my ability. When he was satisfied, he suddenly stood up and said, “Except for your first letter to Mr. Hawkins, have you written any letters?”
I answered that I had not.
“Then write now, my young friend,” he said. “Write to Mr. Hawkins and any others that you shall stay with me until a month from now.”9
9 Write to Mr. Hawkins and any others that you shall stay with me until a month from now.
“Do you wish me to stay so long?” I asked, for my heart grew cold at the thought.
“I will take no refusal. Your employer sent you here to serve me, did he not?”
What could I do but accept? It was Mr. Hawkins’ interest, not mine, and I had to think of him, not myself. Besides, while Count Dracula was speaking, there was something in his eyes and in his bearing which made me remember that I was a prisoner and that even if I wished to leave, I could have no choice.10 So I wrote the letters with a growing sense of dread.
10 Besides, while Count Dracula was speaking, there was something in his eyes and in his bearing which made me remember that I was a prisoner and that even if I wished to leave, I could have no choice.
What does the Count want Jonathan to_____________.
a. write several letters
b. receive some goods in England
c. leave in two or three weeks
Key Words
legal (adj): hợp pháp
matter (n): vấn đề
shipping (n): việc vận chuyển bằng tàu biển
goods (n): hàng hóa
hire (v): thuê
claim (v): khai báo, xác nhận
grow + (adj): trở nên
refusal (n): sự từ chối
serve (v): phục vụ, làm việc cho
accept (v): đồng ý
interest (n): lợi ích
besides (adv): hơn nữa
bearing (n): thái độ, cách cư xử
dread (n): sự khiếp sợ
When he left me, I went to my room. After a little while, I looked out the window. I found some sense of freedom and peace in the vast and beautiful view of the countryside, bathed in yellow moonlight.11
11 I found some sense of freedom and peace in the vast and beautiful view of the countryside, bathed in yellow moonlight.
As I leaned from the window, my eye caught some movement below me. The Count’s head was coming out from a lower window. At first, I was amused by this coincidence, but my feelings changed to repulsion and terror when I saw the whole man slowly emerge from the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall like some huge, black insect, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings.12 At first, I could not believe my eyes. I thought it was some trick of the moonlight, but I kept looking, and it was no delusion.
12 At first, I was amused by this coincidence, but my feelings changed to repulsion and terror when I saw the whole man slowly emerge from the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall like some huge, black insect, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings.
What kind of man is this, or what kind of creature? I feel the dread of this horrible place overpowering me. I am in fear, in awful fear, and there is no escape for me.
What does the Count remind Jonathan of?
a. a lizard
b. an insect
c. a large bat
Key Words
vast (adj): mênh mông, rộng rãi
bathe (v): chìm ngập
amuse (v): gây hứng thú
coincidence (n): sự trùng hợp
repulsion (n): sự kinh hãi
emerge (v): hiện ra, nhô ra
crawl (v): bò, trườn
insect (n): sâu bọ, côn trùng
cloak (n): áo choàng không tay
spread (v): dang ra
wing (n): cánh
trick (n): sự đánh lừa, sự biến ảo
delusion (n): ảo giác
creature (n): sinh vật
horrible (adj): khủng khiếp, ghê sợ
overpower (v): xâm chiếm
680_Copy680.pngawful (adj): tột cùng
escape (n): lối thoát
15 May
Once more I have seen the count go out in his insect-like fashion.13 When he did this, I decided to explore more of the castle. All the doors I tried were locked. At last, however, I found one door at the top of a stairway that was unlocked but difficult to open. I exerted all my strength to push it open enough to permit me to pass.14 I found myself in a room that was probably used by the ladies of the castle long, long ago. I liked this room and its view, so I sat down to write in my diary.
13 Once more I have seen the count go out in his insect-like fashion.
14 I exerted all my strength to push it open enough to permit me to pass.
Later: The morning of 16 May
I swear I am not mad, but there are things here that put my sanity to the test. It is maddening to think that there are foul beasts here worse than the Count and that I must trust him to keep me safe as long as I am useful to him.15
15 It is maddening to think that there are foul beasts here worse than the Count and that I must trust him to keep me safe as long as I am useful to him.
When the Count warned me against falling asleep in other rooms besides my bedroom, I was frightened. But after I had written in my diary, I felt sleepy. I was still in the room at the top of the stairs. The moonlight was soft, and the couch in the room was inviting. I stretched out on the couch and fell asleep.
What realization does Jonathan come to?
a. There are rooms in the castle where he can sleep.
b. He needs the Count to protect him from other monsters.
c. There is a way to escape.
Key Words
stairway (n): cầu thang
exert (v): cố sức
strength (n): sức lực
permit (v): cho phép
swear (v): thề
sanity (n): sự tỉnh táo
maddening (adj): phát điên lên
foul (adj): ghê tởm
beast (n): quái vật
warn against + V - ing : cảnh báo không được làm gì
inviting (adj): lôi cuốn, gọi mời
stretch (v): nằm duỗi ra, ngả lưng
Suddenly, I woke, or I thought I did. Perhaps it was a dream, for there in the room with me were three ladies. It seemed like a dream because the ladies cast no shadow in the moonlight.16 Two were dark and had great, dark, piercing eyes that seemed to be almost red. The other was fair, with great masses of golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. All three had brilliant white teeth that shone like pearls against the ruby of their full lips. I felt longing and at the same time deadly fear. They whispered together, and then all three of them laughed, such a silvery, musical laugh, but also inhumanly hard. The fair girl shook her head coyly, and the other two urged her on.
16 It seemed like a dream because the ladies cast no shadow in the moonlight.
One said, “Go on! You are first, and we shall follow. You have the right to begin.”
The other added, “He is young and strong. There are kisses for us all.”
I lay quiet, looking out from under my eyelashes in an agony of delightful anticipation. The fair girl advanced and bent over me till I could smell her breath. It was bittersweet, smelling of honey but also faintly of blood. She was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck, she actually licked her lips like an animal. Lower and lower went her head as her lips went below my chin and seemed to fasten on my throat.17 I could feel her hot breath on my neck. I closed my eyes and waited with a hammering heart.
17 Lower and lower went her head as her lips went below my chin and seemed to fasten on my throat.
Key Words
piercing (adj): sắc
fair (adj): đẹp
pale (adj): xanh
brilliant (adj): trắng toát
longing (adj): thèm muốn
deadly (adj): vô cùng, hết sức
whisper (v): thì thầm
inhumanly (adv): không giống con người
coyly (adv): bẽn lẽn, làm bộ
eyelashes (n): lông mi
agony (n): sự vui thích đến cực độ
anticipation (n): sự mong đợi, sự nôn nóng
advance (v): tiến tới, sấn tới
bend over (v): cúi xuống
bittersweet (adj): vừa dễ chịu vừa kinh tởm
faintly (adv): thoang thoảng
thrilling (adj): hồi hộp, đầy cảm xúc
repulsive (adj): kinh tởm
arch (v): cúi xuống
lick (v): liếm
fasten o(n): ngậm chặt vào
hammering (adj): ngây ngất
Ah, too suddenly, I was conscious of the presence of the Count, as if he were a storm in the room. I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with a giant’s power draw it back,18 her blue eyes transformed with rage. But the Count! Never did I imagine such fury. His eyes were blazing red, like the flames of hell. He hurled the woman from him, and then he raised his hand against the others. In a voice that cut the air, he said, “How dare you touch him when I had forbidden it?19 This man belongs to me!”
18 I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with a giant’s power draw it back
19 In a voice that cut the air, he said, “How dare you touch him when I had forbidden it?”
The Count then said in a soft whisper, “I promise you that when I am done with my young friend here, you may kiss him at your will.20 Now go!”
20 I promise you that when I am done with my young friend here, you may kiss him at your will.
As I looked through half-shut eyes, they seemed to fade into the rays of the moonlight and pass out through the window. Then the horror overcame me, and I sank down unconscious.
The Count promises the ladies they could kiss Jonathan _____________.
a. when the Count is done with him
b. after the Count kisses him
c. before the Count comes in
Key Words
be conscious of: nhận ra, ý thức được
presence (n): sự có mặt
grasp (v): túm chặt
slender (adj): mảnh dẻ
giant (adj): đáng sợ
transform (v): biến sắc
rage (n): cơn giận dữ
flames (n): ngọn lửa
hell (n): địa ngục
hurl (v): đẩy mạnh
dare (v): dám
forbid (v): cấm, ngăn cấm
belong to (v): thuộc về
half - shut : khép hờ, hé
fade (v): biến mất
ray (n): tia sáng
unconscious (adj): bất tỉnh, ngất đi
19 May
The date of my death is approaching. Last night, the Count asked me in the nicest way to write three letters, one saying that my work here was nearly done, and that I should start for home within a few days;21 another that I was starting on the next morning from the time of the letter; and the third that I had left the castle and arrived at Bistritz. I could not refuse, as I am totally within the power of the Count.
21 Last night, the Count asked me in the nicest way to write three letters, one saying that my work here was nearly done, and that I should start for home within a few days;
I therefore pretended not to be worried, and I asked him what dates I should put on the letters.22 He said, “The first should be June 12, the second June 19, and the third June 29.”
22 I therefore pretended not to be worried, and I asked him what dates I should put on the letters.
I know now the span of my life. God help me!
28 May
There is a chance to escape, or at least to send word home. A band of Gypsies have come to the castle. Perhaps they will help!
All attempts to communicate with the Gypsies have failed.23 At first, they seemed very polite to me as I shouted at them from my window. After a little while, however, they just ignored me.
23 All attempts to communicate with the Gypsies have failed.
When will Jonathan leave the castle according to the letter?
a. June 19
b. June 12
c. June 20
Key Words
totally (adv): hoàn toàn
therefore (adv): vì vậy, cho nên
pretend (v): giả vờ, làm ra vẻ
span (n): quãng thời gian
escape (v): trốn thoát
band (n): nhóm, đám (người)
attempt (n): sự cố gắng, nỗ lực
communicate (v): bắt chuyện, giao tiếp
polite (adj): lịch sự
ignore (v): lờ đi
This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed, I heard the cracking of whips and the pounding of horses’ feet up the rocky path.24 With joy, I hurried to the window, and I saw two great wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, each driven by a Slovak, with wide hats, great nail-studded belts, dirty sheep skins, and high boots. I cried to them. They looked up at me stupidly, but the leader of the Gypsies said something, at which they laughed.
24 This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed, I heard the cracking of whips and the pounding of horses’ feet up the rocky path.
Afterward, no effort of mine would make them even look at me.25 Their wagons contained great, square boxes, with handles of thick rope. These were evidently empty by the way the Slovaks handled them. When they were all unloaded, the Slovaks rode off.
25 Afterward, no effort of mine would make them even look at me.
25 June
I must take action of some sort during the day. I have not yet seen the Count in the daylight. Can it be that he sleeps when others are awake?26 If I could only get into his room! There is a way, if one dares to take it. I have seen him crawl from his window. Why should not I imitate him and go in by his window? It is a terrible risk, but I must take it.
26 Can it be that he sleeps when others are awake?
What does Jonathan decide to do?
a. Hide in one of the big boxes.
b. Send a letter home with one of the Gypsies.
c. Climb out the window to find a way to escape.
Key Words
crack (v): quất (roi) đen đét
pound (v): chạy lộc cộc
rocky (adj): nhiều sỏi, đầy sỏi
wagon (n): xe ngựa (chở hàng)
turdy (adj): khỏe mạnh, cứng cáp
slovak (n): người Slovakia
nail - studded (adj): có đinh
skin (n): bộ da thú
stupidly (adv): ngu ngốc, ngớ ngẩn
effort (n): nỗ lực
contain (v): chứa, đựng
square (adj): vuông
evidently (adv): dễ nhận thấy, rõ ràng
unload (v): dỡ hàng
ride off (v): cưỡi đi mất
take actio(n): hành động
crawl (v): bò, trườn
imitate (v): bắt chước, làm theo
risk (n): sự liều lĩnh
Same day, later
I was successful. When I entered the Count’s room, it was completely empty except for a great pile of gold in one corner, coins from all countries and ages.27 The large, heavy door was open, and I searched around the old, rundown castle. Finally, in the basement, I made a discovery.
27 When I entered the Count’s room, it was completely empty except for a great pile of gold in one corner, coins from all countries and ages.
In one of the underground rooms, I saw about fifty great boxes half filled with newly dug earth. Most were uncovered, and in one lay the Count! My blood ran cold, but it seemed as if he were dead or asleep.28 His lips were as red as ever. But there was no sign of movement, no pulse, no breath, and no beating of the heart.
28 My blood ran cold, but it seemed as if he were dead or asleep.
I thought he might have the keys on him, but when I went to search, I saw his dead eyes and in them such a look of hate that I fled from the place.29 Leaving the Count’s room by the window, I crawled again up the castle wall. Regaining my room, I threw myself panting upon the bed and tried to think.
29 I thought he might have the keys on him, but when I went to search, I saw his dead eyes and in them such a look of hate that I fled from the place.
Based on the story, write down “T” if true or “F” if false.
a. The Count had died and was no longer a problem.____
b. Jonathan found a lot of gold.____
c. Jonathan became scared and ran back to his room.____
Key Words
completely (adv): hoàn toàn
pile (n): chồng, đống
rundown (adj): đổ nát, suy tàn
basement (n): tầng hầm
newly (adv): gần đây, mới đây
dig (v): đào
(dig - digged - digged)
uncover (v): để hở
sign (n): dấu hiệu
pulse (n): mạch
search (v): tìm kiếm
hate (n): sự hận thù
flee (v): chạy trốn
(flee - fled - fled)
regain (v): trở lại
pant (v): thở hổn hển
29 June
Today I fell asleep in the library and was awakened by the Count, who looked at me grimly. He said, “Tomorrow, my friend, we must part. You return to your beautiful England, and I to my work. When my workers and I have gone, my carriage shall come for you and shall bear you to the Borgo Pass to meet the coach from Bukovina to Bistritz.”30
30 When my workers and I have gone, my carriage shall come for you and shall bear you to the Borgo Pass to meet the coach from Bukovina to Bistritz.
I didn’t believe him, and I asked, “Why may I not go tonight?”
He smiled, such a soft, smooth, diabolical smile that I knew there was some trick behind his smoothness. He moved to the window and said, “Wait! Listen carefully!”
Outside came the howling of many wolves. It was almost as if the sound sprang up as soon as he raised his hand.31 I knew there was no escape at night when such creatures as these roamed the woods.
31 It was almost as if the sound sprang up as soon as he raised his hand.
After a minute or two, I went to my own room. The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me, with a red light of triumph in his eyes.32
32 The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me, with a red light of triumph in his eyes.
Why couldn’t Jonathan leave that night?
a. There were mountain lions in the dark.
b. The coach driver was not available.
c. There were too many wolves in the forest.
Key Words
grimly (adv): dứt khoát
part (v): chia tay
bear (v): mang đến
(bear - bore - born)
diabolical (adj): độc ác, hiểm ác
trick (n): trò bịp bợm, mánh lới
smoothness (n): sự nhã nhặn
howling (n): tiếng hú, tiếng tru
spring up : vang lên
(spring - sprang - sprung)
escape (n): lối thoát
roam (v): lang thang
woods (n): rừng
triumph (n): sự đắc thắng
30 June
These may be the last words I ever write in this diary. Today, I climbed down the wall again. I made my way to the box with the Count in it. This time, it was covered, but the nails were not hammered in yet. I needed the key to the front gate, so I moved the lid aside, but then I had a shock. There lay the Count, looking as if his youth had been half restored.33 His mouth was redder than ever, for on his lips was fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of his mouth and ran down over his chin and neck.34 He seemed like a fat leech, resting after gorging himself on blood.
33 There lay the Count, looking as if his youth had been half restored.
34 His mouth was redder than ever, for on his lips was fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of his mouth and ran down over his chin and neck.
I shuddered as I bent over to touch him, and every sense in me revolted at the contact, but I had to search.35 I felt everywhere, but there was no key. While I stood there thinking, I heard the Gypsies’ merry voices coming down the tunnel.
35 I shuddered as I bent over to touch him, and every sense in me revolted at the contact, but I had to search.
Quickly, I ran and climbed back up to my room. Soon, I heard the sound of the Gypsy wagons leaving. I am alone in the castle with those horrible women. I shall try to climb down the castle wall to the courtyard. I must find a way from this dreadful place.
If this is indeed my last entry, goodbye all! I love you, Mina!
What is not true about the Count?
a. The Count became younger.
b. The Count’s hair changed from black to yellow.
c. The Count’s mouth became redder.
Key Words
make one’s way : tìm đường đến
lid (n): nắp
shock (n): sự khiếp đảm
youth (n): tuổi trẻ
restore (v): khôi phục lại
trickle (v): chảy, nhỏ giọt
leech (v): kẻ hút máu
gorge (v): nạp vào
shudder (v): rùng mình
bend over : cúi người
(bend - bent - bent)
revolt (v): dâng lên
contact (n): sự tiếp xúc
merry (v): vui vẻ
dreadful (adj): quái quỷ
entry (n): sự ghi chép, trang viết
Comprehension Quiz
A. Which does not describe Dracula?
1. very pale skin
2. thick eyebrows
3. not very good with English
4. long, narrow fingers
5. wide, kind smile
6. long, white teeth
B. Complete the following sentences with the given characters.
Three women
Gypsies
Slovaks
________________ delivered empty boxes to the castle.
________________ prepared the boxes for transportation.
________________ tried to drink Jonathan’s blood.
C. Based on the story, mark “T” if true or “F” if false.
The Count has many servants in his castle. T...F
Jonathan never sees the Count eat or drink. T...F
The Count wants to buy a large, old mansion in London. T...F
The innkeeper and his wife don’t speak any German. T...F
Jonathan bought a crucifix in Bistritz. T...F
D. Choose the correct answers to the questions.
1. Why did Jonathan Harker travel to Translyvania?
(a) He was interested in buying some property there.
(b) He was sent by his office to help a client.
(c) He went there to learn a foreign language.
2. Why did Jonathan think Dracula and his driver were actually the same person?
(a) They both had long beards.
(b) They were both very strong.
(c) They both had hands with unnatural strength.
3. How will Jonathan try to escape from the castle?
(a) He will climb down the wall.
(b) He will try to break the door down.
(c) He will hide in one of the boxes.
E. Put the sentences in order.
Jonathan sees the Count crawl down the wall of the castle.
The Count breaks Jonathan’s mirror.
Jonathan writes three letters to England.
Jonathan finds some boxes under the castle.
Three women find Jonathan asleep.