🧛 Dracula – Chapter 3: Jonathan’s Secret Plan

Jonathan Harker’s Journal – May 15th

Each day in Castle Dracula feels longer and colder. The Count speaks politely but keeps me locked inside. I try to stay calm, but I know—I am a prisoner.

The Count asks me to write letters to my fiancée Mina and my employer in England. But he gives me the words to write.

He watches while I write.

The letters say I will leave the castle soon. But it’s not true.

I feel like I’m in a trap.

May 16th

I’ve begun to explore every corner of the castle. I search for ways to escape.

This morning, I found a small window in an unused room. I climbed up and looked out. Below me is a steep cliff. If I jump, I’ll die. If I stay, I’ll die slowly.

I must find another way.

May 18th

Today I discovered the Count’s bedroom. It was hidden behind a heavy door.

Inside was a large coffin. It was filled with earth—and in it lay the Count, asleep.

He was not breathing.

He looked dead.

But I knew better.

I picked up a shovel, ready to attack… but I couldn’t do it. I was frozen with fear.

I ran back to my room.

May 20th

I’ve decided. I must try to escape, even if it means climbing down the castle wall.

I’ve made a rope from torn sheets. Tomorrow, I’ll try to use it.

If I don’t write again, it means I have failed.

Please, God—let me survive.

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📖 Glossary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Fiancée	The woman someone is engaged to marry
Employer	A person or company you work for
Trap	A dangerous situation that is hard to escape
Coffin	A box in which a dead person is placed
Frozen with fear	Too scared to move or act

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What does Count Dracula make Jonathan do with the letters?

2. Why are the letters dishonest?

3. What dangerous place does Jonathan find?

4. What does he discover in the hidden room?

5. What is inside the coffin?

6. Why doesn’t Jonathan attack Dracula?

7. What escape plan does Jonathan prepare?

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✅ Answers

1. He makes him write them while watching and gives him the words to use.

2. They say Jonathan will leave soon, which is not true.

3. A window overlooking a steep cliff.

4. Dracula’s secret bedroom.

5. Dracula lies inside, sleeping in a coffin filled with earth.

6. He is frozen with fear.

7. To climb down the wall using a rope made from sheets.