The Historian

Can Dracula be read as having any redeeming qualities? At what moments does he restrain himself from violence, and how are his actions different from pop-culture depictions of Dracula?

What do books, in general, and the dragon book, in particular, represent within the novel? How are they central to the ensuing research into and search for Dracula? Can books be read as dangerous within the text?

How do the current events within the novel—of the 1930s, 1950s, and 1970s—reflect the events of the distant past, during Vlad Dracula’s life? How are these events relevant to the larger story, and what do they say about humanity and human nature as they are depicted in the text?

How does the narrator change during the book? Compare and contrast her present voice with her childhood and teenage perspectives; how has she grown, what has she accepted, and is she the true “historian” of the text?

How does Helen manage the truth about her inheritance? Can her actions regarding her daughter be considered brave? How does her behavior differ or align with Dracula’s behavior?

Beyond moving the plot along, what is the purpose of Rossi as a character? Can he be considered flat or static? Examine the movement of his character and cite three specific examples to explore his character.

Why does Paul ask his daughter to keep a record of this story? What might this say about his ability to confront the past, and how does this intersect with the loss of Helen? What role does grief play in Paul’s search for Dracula?

The book explores many libraries as scenes for action, with crypts just behind. Consider and discuss the symbolism of both libraries and crypts, places that are viewed as either safe or dead, as sites of action. What is the significance of these sites?