Stoker 18-20

~ 251-275 ~

256. "A sacred bullet fired into the coffin kill him so that he be true dead."
I always thought I had a decent grasp of vampire lore, but I encountered a fact that I didn't know tonight. According to Book Drum, a vampire can be defeated by a bullet blessed by a priest. I always thought that bullets were used against werewolves rather than vampires.
255. "He may not enter anywhere at the first, unless there be some one of the household who bid him to come."
Although vampires were apparently unable to enter into a home without an invitation, the bustling nature of a Victorian household would allow a vampire to enter it rather easily. I suppose that's one benefit of my servant-less, small house.
256. "my friend Arminius, of Buda-Pesth University"
Bram Stoker may have based the character of Van Helsing on the Hungarian traveler and scholar,  Ármin Vámbéry. I find it interesting that so many characters and locations in Dracula may have been modeled after things in the real world.
256. "They learned his secrets in the Scholomance" 
Located in Transylvania, The Scholomance was a school dedicated to black magic that was was said to be run by the devil. Although the thought of a demon-led school isn't exactly good news, it does intrigue me. I suppose an interest in the unknown dwells within every man.
"An extract from Emily Gerard’s article ‘Transylvanian Superstitions’ describes the Scholomance:
As I am on the subject of thunderstorms, I may as well here mention the Scholomance, or school supposed to exist somewhere in the heart of the mountains, and where all the secrets of nature, the language of animals, and all imaginable magic spells and charms are taught by the devil in person. Only ten scholars are admitted at a time, and when the course of learning has expired and nine of them are released to return to their homes, the tenth scholar is detained by the devil as payment, and mounted upon an Ismeju (dragon) he becomes henceforward the devil's aide-de-camp, and assists him in 'making the weather,' that is, in preparing thunderbolts."
259. "a burnt rum punch, much patronized on Derby night"
According to Book Drum, burnt rum punch, also known as feuerzangenbowle, is prepared by soaking a lump of sugar in rum, lighting it on fire, and then allowing the sugar-rum mixture to drip into a vat of mulled wine. Some cultural food preparation is so interesting!
269. "The celebrated terrier "Major" kills 100 rats in 8 minutes and 58 seconds."
Although I've always been a cat person, this dog is pretty impressive!

275. "a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night"

Bram Stoker is referring to the pillar that God sent to the Israelites to guide them to the Promised Land. He presents in interesting comparison through this biblical allusion. So far, he seem to refer to the Scripture often.

~ 276-300 ~

281. "a new 'cold storage' building"

Before the invention of devices like the freezer and refrigerator, food was store in "caves, pits, or icehouses" that were filled with ice harvested during the winter. "The earliest cold storage buildings in London were constructed around the docks (such as Poplar) and the Smithfield meat market towards the end of the 19th century." When people see a need, they're pretty quick to remedy it. 

284. "the Aërated Bread Company"

According to Book Drum, Aërated Bread Company was a bakery and a tea shop for ladies. It sounds like a place that I'd love to visit. I feel like there aren't enough places that are meant for sitting and chatting with friends (while eating, of course!).

286. "such a smile as would have become the face of Malvolio"

In Stoker's Shakespearean allusion on page, he compares Renfield's expression to Malvolio's. Although it's been a long time since I've read Twelfth Knight, it painted a very strong picture in my mind. 

-Content courtesy of Book Drum

Objectionable Elements

   
Ojectionable : Undesirable, Offensive.
    Objectionable elements in both literature and the media are gradually becoming more commonplace. We'll often hear parents and grandparents reminisce of a time where smut was not so abundant, but what is causing this influx of objectionable material?
    I believe that the degree of objectionable elements in literature directly correlates to both its marketability and public acceptance. We all know that sex and violence sell, and as most people become more numbed to the flow of obscenity surrounding them, they are constantly searching for something new to shock them. If a book like 50 Shades of Grey or Twilight can sell hundreds of millions of copies, something is wrong with the readers of America.

    Objectionable content in literature is largely determined by readers. If a writer adds obscenity to his work, it's because he believes that it will enhance his piece or cause it to become more profitable. Until the public draws a moral line, authors will continue to test the boundaries of literary decency. For some authors, the salability of their book takes precedence over artistic integrity, and public outcry and resistance is the only cure for decreasing moral standards.  

Stoker 14-17

1. 205 - "There have been toads shut up in rocks for thousands of years."
Although rumors that frogs can live indefinitely within rock have been proven false, it has been proven that frogs can survive for over a year in porous limestone (which is still quite an impressive feat).
2. 204 - "Methuselah lived nine hundred years, and ‘Old Parr’ one hundred and sixty-nine."
Thomas Parr, if the rumor is true, lived for over 160 years.
3. 205 - "There lie the Indian fakir, not dead."
In 1837, Sadhu Haridas, a famous fakir, survived being buried underground for 40 days without water. I have often heard stories of fakirs who could levitate and withstand extreme, and although I may be skeptical of a spiritual link to these amazing feats, I've always been curious about them.
4. 209 - "We dined at 'Jack Straw's Castle."
Jack Straw's Castle was a London pub, which was frequented by Bram Stoker. It's really strange to think that the characters in Stoker's Dracula walked the same streets as he did.
5. 218 - "buy a pig in a poke."
Apparently, this phrase derives from con men who would pretend to sell pigs in a bag (a poke), but would actually sell the customer a cat or dog. This phrase now refers to "buying something inferior before examining it."
6. 224 - "The Host"
Although I was already aware of the significance of the communion wafer, I find it odd that some people believe that the wafer is the literal flesh of Jesus.
7. 226 "the passion masks of the Greeks and Japanese"
It's interesting that masks were used to convey expression, rather than just to hide one's face. Similar masks are used in Korean theater dance as well.
8. 226 " the coils of Medusa’s snakes "
Although I was aware of most of the lore surrounding Medusa, I didn't know she had wings in certain variations of the story. I feel like having snake hair and the ability to petrify people makes her more than powerful enough.
9. 228 " trembling like an aspen "
Apparently, the leaves of the Eurasian Populus tremula are known for their quivering motion. I believe I've heard the phrase before, but it's still an interesting little factoid.

10. 234 " we took the Underground to Fenchurch Street "
Apparently, Fenurch St. railroad station is not a real location in London. Curious.
-All contents courtesy of bookdrum.

Dracula Free Writing Response

19 Feb. Mililani. --- I sit in the frigid school library. The industrial, fluorescent lights flicker ominously overhead and the silence is broken only by the occasional shrill remark of an elementary student. As I pour over Dracula, I find it difficult to stave off the occasional nervous thought. What if Dracula is standing right behind me? Better not look, you'll just freak yourself out. Man, I should've brought a stake... I wonder dimly if I should call out to make sure that Amy is still alive in the cubicle behind me. Better not. That would make me sound crazy, or worse, I might alert the vampires of my presence. What if everyone else in the library has already been slaughtered by the Count, and I, in some miraculous occasion, was the only one left unharmed? 
P.S. Reading Dracula directly after marathon-ing The Walking Dead was probably not the best for my frazzled nerves.

Pride and Prejudice

Austen Gifts

Laurie

(Here)

As one of my few friends who can drive, Laurie cannot be expected to express her love of Mr. Darcy through something as mundane as a keychain or tote. She needs something that can keep up with her while she's on the go! Moreover, she can have all of Oahu wistfully daydreaming of the dashing Mr. Darcy as she drives past.

Kacie

(Here) 

Since Kacie's penmanship is legendary, she needs a tool fit for a writer of her callibur. With this lovely quill, which will be purchased in the alternate color of pink, she can amuse onlookers with her elegant handwriting and impress them with her appreciation of the finer things in life. She will also be upholding the valuable art of penmanship by sticking to a more traditional writing style.

Hannah

(Here)

I chose this lovely pendant for Hannah. The charming colors and retro design would go well with any outfit and would be a fashionable addition to any woman's jewelry collection. Since Hannah has classy taste, I think this necklace would suit her perfectly.

Amy

(Here)

For Amy's gift, she gets a date with this handsome man. Joking! Amy showed an interest in this particularly awkward shirt, and I'm sure she knows a gentleman who would wear it proudly (unless she's been eyeing it for herself). Whatever the case, I know she'd find a great use for it.

Cricket

 (Here)

For Cricket's gift, I would get her a jar of Lavender & Strawberry Marmalade. There's no better gift than an edible one, and Cricket seems like a girl who would appreciate it. I'm still a bit wary of anything flower-flavored, but I'm sure Cricket would be a good taste tester.

Keora

(Here)

 Keora is known to be a fashionable young lady, and this ring would be a stylish addition to her wardrobe. This ring also strikes me as artsy, and since we all know of Keora's interest in the arts, it seemed like a good fit. It is even a similar color to Keora's recent 3D sculpture.