Personification In Dracula

In chapter 7 of “Dracula,” Stoker uses tone and personification to emphasise the contrast between the calm and the storm, indicating problems for the town of Whitby. Before the storm, Whitby is portrayed as a quaint seaside town. Thought the weather is “somewhat sultry” (83), the waves continue to “gently roll” (84) and the sunset taking place is said to be “so very beautiful” (84). Stoker establishes a peaceful setting that is portrayed as the norm in Whitby. Furthermore, the light tone leads the reader to believe that Whitby is “as fine as ever” (83): tranquil and undisturbed by any harm. The storm, however, signifies an unusual and drastic shift in the environment and weather of Whitby which the reader can infer to be a change in the lack of violence and evil as well. The calm …show more content…
Thus, the tone in this chapter gradually progress from light to forbidding, setting the scene for the destructive events to come. In fact, the storm itself is described as a “strange arrival” (89), alluding to the presence of Dracula. Many such parallels can be drawn between the raging storm and the qualities that Dracula possesses, implying that the storm signals the arrival of Dracula and the horrifying effects he is to have on Whitby.The sharp contrast between the calm and the storm signals the beginning of abnormal occurrences in the town.

The reader is shown that the Demeter is truly a ship carrying Dracula through various symbols and links to past information. Signs of Dracula’s presence can be seen in facts such as the ship’s origin and cargo: the ship is “a Russian from Varna”, carrying “a number of great wooden boxes filled with mold” (89). Not only did the Demeter come from a place in close proximity to Dracula’s residence, but it also carries the boxes of dirt that are known to be Dracula’s resting place. As it is established that Dracula requires these boxes for survival, it