Dracula's Guest Analysis

Experiencing a situation through the author’s words is every reader’s pursuit. Fear, panic and excitement are some of the reactions generated from reading horror stories. To get such reactions, authors use certain stylistic devices. Bram stoker’s “Dracula’s guest”, is penned around suspense, mystery and fear. This is pronounced by the author’s use of Johann’s narrative, “Walpurgis nacht”, the horses, background voices and the climatic changes. The horses “throwing up their heads and sniffing the air suspiciously” sets the mood for suspense and fright. The author pictures a situation where even the horses can sniff danger from a far. Further, when the “sound” is heard the horses become restless thus requiring Johann’s expertise to calm them
This then sets the mood for suspense in the story. Before they set out for the journey, Herr reminds them to be back before dusk and talks about the “Walpurgis nacht”. Deep into their journey, the Englishman suggests that they go through a certain road. Johann is resistant and further references “Walpurgis natch”. At this point the reader is curious and frightened. First, the reader has no clue about what “Walpurgis natch” means, other than the emotions expressed by Johann when uttering the word. Further, at this point it is intriguing to know where the road leads to. Johann stutters as he tries to convince the Englishman not to follow the path. His fear is highlighted throughout his speech as he narrates the story about the unholy village. Finally, he opts to let the Englishman go alone or rather he fails to convince the Englishman not to go through with the idea. His final call to the man is “Walpurgis nacht”. One cannot help but wonder the kind of danger the Englishman is willing to expose himself that a native like Johann cannot even pronounce. Through Johann’s narration, the reader gets informed on Walpurgis natch and the unholy