🧛 Dracula – Chapter 5: Letters from England

Mina Murray’s Journal – July 26th
Today, I received a letter from Jonathan. He is in Budapest, in a hospital. He says he has been very ill, but is slowly recovering. His handwriting is weak, and his words are strange.

He writes, “Come quickly. I need you.”

I showed the letter to Mrs. Westenra, Lucy’s mother. She was very kind and helped me prepare for my journey. I am nervous, but I love Jonathan deeply. I must go to him.

Letter from Lucy Westenra to Mina – August 1st
My dearest Mina,
I miss you already! But I know you must be with Jonathan.

Strange things have been happening here in Whitby. I’ve been sleepwalking again. The first time, Mother found me outside by the old church on the cliff. I had no memory of it.

Last night, I woke up with tiny wounds on my neck. Two small dots. Mother says I must have been bitten by a bug. But I feel very tired, and cold—even in the sun.

Also, there’s a shipwreck! A Russian boat called the Demeter crashed into the harbor during a storm. The whole town watched as it sailed in with no crew—only the captain, found tied to the wheel, dead.

There was only one other thing onboard: a large dog that jumped off the boat and ran away. No one has seen it since.

Whitby is full of mystery.

With love,
Lucy

Mina’s Journal – August 6th
I am now in Budapest. I have seen Jonathan at last.

He looks thinner, pale, but his eyes lit up when he saw me. We cried together. He told me he cannot remember everything that happened in Transylvania, only that it was terrifying.

The doctors say he may recover faster if he is happy. So—we are getting married tomorrow.

I will stay by his side forever.

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📖 Glossary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Sleepwalking	Walking while asleep, without knowing it
Wound	An injury or cut on the body
Harbor	A place where ships dock near the shore
Terrifying	Extremely scary
Recover	To get better after being sick or injured

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Where is Jonathan when Mina hears from him?

2. What does Jonathan ask Mina to do?

3. What strange things are happening to Lucy in Whitby?

4. What does Lucy find on her neck?

5. What happened to the ship called the Demeter?

6. What mysterious animal was seen on the ship?

7. What decision do Mina and Jonathan make in Budapest?

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✅ Answers

1. He is in a hospital in Budapest.

2. He asks her to come quickly.

3. She is sleepwalking and feels tired and cold.

4. Two small wounds like bites.

5. It crashed into the harbor during a storm, with no living crew.

6. A large dog jumped off the ship and disappeared.

7. They decide to get married.