serial-serializednovelreader

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Lightweavers trying to talk to Cryptics:

[Image Description in alt text]

[serial-serializednovelreader]

“You tried to help the people of the market. You mostly failed. This is life. The longer you live, the more you fail. Failure is the mark of a life well lived. In turn, the only way to live without failure is to be of no use to anyone.”

[serial-serializednovelreader]

He is only a wreck of himself, and he does not remember anything that has happened to him for a long time past. At least, he wants me to believe so, and I shall never ask. He has had some terrible shock, and I fear it might tax his poor brain if he were to try to recall it. Sister Agatha, who is a good creature and a born nurse, tells me that he raved of dreadful things whilst he was off his head. I wanted her to tell me what they were; but she would only cross herself, and say she would never tell; that the ravings of the sick were the secrets of God, and that if a nurse through her vocation should hear them, she should respect her trust. She is a sweet, good soul, and the next day, when she saw I was troubled, she opened up the subject again, and after saying that she could never mention what my poor dear raved about,

Mina is so incredibly curious about what happened to Jonathan. And of course that makes sense, but I think it's worth emphasizing given what else happens in this entry. Even though she is determined not to make Jonathan relive his experiences by asking him directly (remember, she was warned against doing so in Sister Agatha's letter), Mina wants badly to know. Enough that Sister Agatha feels the need to broach the subject again despite her own reservations (she's way vaguer now than she was in the letter; I wonder if Jonathan had gotten more explicit about his experiences since then or if she has rethought her letter since she might worry it would scare Mina off or something). Mina even seems to suspect that Jonathan does remember, at least some of what happened if not all of it. And I'm inclined to think that's true - he may not remember anything concrete, or not much concrete that he also can fully believe isn't madness, but I don't think it's all a blank slate for him. This is reinforced by what happens with his notebook:

I saw that amongst them was his note-book, and was going to ask him to let me look at it—for I knew then that I might find some clue to his trouble—but I suppose he must have seen my wish in my eyes, for he sent me over to the window, saying he wanted to be quite alone for a moment. Then he called me back, and when I came he had his hand over the note-book, and he said to me very solemnly:—

Jonathan notices Mina wanting to read his journal, and he sends her away, almost as though he has to carefully consider what to do next, or possibly feels a need to hide it from even her. This context, of Mina being visibly very curious, and of Jonathan's first impulse being for privacy, makes me love the following scenes even more. Jonathan sitting with his hand over his journal - maybe he was trying to work up the courage to read it himself, and couldn't bring himself to do so. Maybe he was fighting an urge to keep it hidden and protected from everyone, especially when they are obviously eager to read it. I kind of think it might be both.

But that makes his choice to give Mina the journal and trust her with its contents even better. Because he can tell just how badly she wants to know, and he still believes that she will be willing to join him in ignorance. He is willing to trust her to read it regardless, and gives her permission despite possible instincts/memories urging him to keep it secret. He gives her the opportunity to satiate her curiosity, and trusts that she won't burden him with the knowledge he cannot face. And Mina, in return, chooses to give up on her desire to know. No matter how strong it is, she seals the journal shut with her wedding ring and promises him she won't open it unless there is a need. Both she and Jonathan meet in the middle, extending trust in the other and making something of a sacrifice in the process. I think it must have been very difficult to do, for both of them - and at the same time, not so difficult at all, because their love for one another takes precedence over all else.

I also kind of love that this is the first time Mina isn't burdened with a secret she has to carry alone. She's been loaded down with them since arriving in Whitby, and this journal could have become another. But because Jonathan let her choose what to do, she was able to choose not to know for certain. She joins him in ignorance, rather than being isolated in knowledge once again. And while she is still going to be responsible for a lot of things (Jonathan will need lots of help throughout his recovery), she doesn't have to decide whether he was insane or not, she doesn't have to take action about anything that happened to him in the past. I suppose you could say she has the responsibility to read it/let him know should 'some solemn duty' make it necessary, but I feel like the ability to read the journal later makes it more a helpful resource should things get bad than another weight (emotionally speaking).

[serial-serializednovelreader]

‘Wilhelmina’—I knew then that he was in deadly earnest, for he has never called me by that name since he asked me to marry him—‘you know, dear, my ideas of the trust between husband and wife: there should be no secret, no concealment. I have had a great shock, and when I try to think of what it is I feel my head spin round, and I do not know if it was all real or the dreaming of a madman. You know I have had brain fever, and that is to be mad. The secret is here, and I do not want to know it. I want to take up my life here, with our marriage.’ For, my dear, we had decided to be married as soon as the formalities are complete. ‘Are you willing, Wilhelmina, to share my ignorance? Here is the book. Take it and keep it, read it if you will, but never let me know; unless, indeed, some solemn duty should come upon me to go back to the bitter hours, asleep or awake, sane or mad, recorded here.’ He fell back exhausted, and I put the book under his pillow, and kissed him. I have asked Sister Agatha to beg the Superior to let our wedding be this afternoon, and am waiting her reply....

The full disclosure he's giving her before they get married because "there should be no secret, no concealment" between husband and wife is so important to me...

And Mina not only agreeing but urging the Sister to arrange their wedding to take place that very afternoon...

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Then he took my hand in his, and oh, Lucy, it was the first time he took his wife’s hand, and said that it was the dearest thing in all the wide world, and that he would go through all the past again to win it, if need be.

Jonathan Harker, the man that you are

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Jonathan Harker said I trust you with my trauma and put my soul in your hands if you do accept my madness and leave all the choices up to you, if you are willing to take me as I am. And Mina said I do. Not with just words but actions, making a pre-wedding ritual out of that trust.

It's important to point out that Jonathan says that Mina can read it, anytime. What he asks of her is that if she does read it, to never tell him what it says. Unless she does deem it important to do so. He trusts her and puts all his faith in her.

[serial-serializednovelreader]

24th of August- “My heart is full of joy! Jonathan is alive and I am to call him my husband and to be his wife! Our hearts never to be parted again!” ❤️

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Mina signing off her letter as MINA HARKER

[serial-serializednovelreader]

JOHNATHAN AND MINA AUUUGHGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *CRIES AND SCREAMS*

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Nova’s Thoughts - Dracula Daily - August 24

In which Mina and Jonathan are reunited at last!!!

Even if Lucy wasn’t eager to hear everything (and I’m sure she is) I am!!! Tell me everything bestie!!!

The way Mina can *immediately* see the toll Dracula has taken on Jonathan…. :(

That being said, I love that Mina knows Jonathan remembers more than he lets on, that he’s keeping it from her in part to protect her and in part to protect himself. Again, she’s so smart!

Sister Agatha is the ultimate shipper for this couple: “hey girl I can’t tell you what he’s been through *but* he didn’t cheat :)” QUEEN 👏👏👏👏👏👏

Mina: “as if I would be jealous! That’s silly. But also thank you that helps”

I really do feel like Jonathan’s head spinning is due to something more than just it being overwhelming for him…leftover influence from Dracula, perhaps?

I love that he trusts her enough to let her read the book if she wants to — this is one of my favorite parts of their romance <3333333

Plus he even puts a caveat in place for her to tell him what’s in it even though he refuses to talk about it right now!!! I don’t know why that part sticks with me, but it does :)

My blorbos got married!!!!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 congrats to them 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

Him being firm and strong in his words while he’s weak physically while she’s almost unable to speak from crying and is ok physically! I love the contrast of this 😭😭😭😭😭

“oh, Lucy, it is the first time I have written the words 'my husband'” — I seem to recall a certain diary entry that says otherwise, but I think she means the first time she’s written this with Jonathan as her husband. I refuse to believe Mina hasn’t written “my husband” about Jonathan several times in her diary margins :D

And now my *other* favorite part of this entry — the wedding present. Mina “returning” the notebook to Jonathan and sealing it with wax and her wedding ring is so 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 AHHHHH! I just love it because it’s a sign of trust for them!!!! She’s letting him know she won’t open it without him knowing about it (something he likely was worried about, but didn’t show for her sake). Plus, she promises not to open it unless she absolutely has to, despite her obvious curiosity (she is studying journalism, after all and the situation does involve 💕her husband💕)

The fact he was going to even tell her a part of his past just to show her how much he appreciated the present (but couldn’t)…DRACULA WHEN I CATCH YOU—

Emotions aside, I wonder what he was going to share with her? Shaving mirror incident? The lizard climb down the castle? Something more dark? I feel like he would’ve shared something medium bad — not too horrifying, but bad enough to justify a shock. It’s pretty bad that I can’t obviously guess which incident he could share because there are *so* many to choose from here :(

Their pledge sealed with a kiss 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

HER PARAGRAPH TO LUCY IS UNBELIEVABLY SAD. NO I WILL NOT EXPLAIN

Speaking of Lucy…

Wanting to write everything down to be closer to Mina :(((((

Yeah something is still very wrong here. Lucy shouldn’t be having dreams or feeling worn out!

Arthur is sad too :(((( he knows something is wrong with Lucy! She’s usually so cheerful and in this short diary entry, she just seems…depressed

I’m sorry Mina can’t be there to keep you safe Lucy 😭😭😭 and I don’t know how much help your mom can be…

[serial-serializednovelreader]

anyway happy anniversary Jonathan and Mina Harker for their Not Dream Wedding at a Catholic hospital in Hungary on a sickbed surrounded by strangers as their only witnesses and yet it still being the happiest day of their lives

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Nova’s Thoughts - Dracula Daily - August 23

In which Renfield is hunted for sport…

Not Renfield subverting their expectations by not escaping just because they opened a window. Sooooo iconic of him 👍👏👏👏👏🫶

I feel like he can “appreciate” you letting him free from restrictions even if you think he can’t, Seward — let’s not be condescending here…

LOLLLLL he’s escaped! I love Seward and I know he wanted him to escape but…here’s live footage of me high-fiving Renfield for being funny and frankly, a boss:

Renfield: *sees Seward* *instant rage* Seward: huh wonder what that’s about……. Me: YEAH I WONDER WHY couldn’t be because you locked him up with chains right and treated him as subhuman RIGHT?!

Also this is really the first time we’ve seen Renfield get mad at Seward specifically…or *show it*…interesting. My guy’s had enough, and who can blame him?

How many bats have you seen to know how they fly, Seward? Are you a bat expert?! *coughs* nerd (affectionate)

I do also wonder if Renfield calmed on his own knowing his master was the bat, or if he was influenced by Dracula? Same result I guess 🤷‍♀️

Also, is Seward shaken by the “ominous calm” or the fact that his favorite “pet project” turned against him? Hmmmmmmm

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Brontë Bites- Wuthering Heights - Chapter 6

Heathcliff watching Cathy and the Linton family being all cozy while he’s outside in the rain:

[ID in alt text]

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Nova’s Thoughts - Dracula Daily - August 21

In which we follow a paper trail…

These guys did their job! Good for them 👍👍👍

My headcanon for them is that after they finish this delivery, they start to get an unnatural awareness of how many box encounters they get in their daily life

This may seem like some kind of deep symbolism, but I make this headcanon simply to reference that episode of SpongeBob where Squidward is trying to watch TV and he gets to the point where he yells, “Is there anything on that isn’t about BOXES?!?!?!?” This is what I want for them…in the best possible way :)

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Nova’s Thoughts - Dracula Daily - August 20

In which Renfield’s eyes are cringe…

A week since his attack? Jack, it’s only been 1 day…are you ok? (Spoiler alert: he is not ok, either he’s in some other timeline or he is on drugs and has no concept of time. I know I saw a post about the latter theory, but I cannot find it. For the sake of this post, I’m going with the drugs theory — how is he leading an asylum in this state lol)

So Renfield has (according to this Seward, which I find to be an unreliable narrator, for obvious reasons) some of his “old pleading” back apparently and his eyes are “cringing” with softness (the meme potential!!!). While some would see this as “manipulation”, I do think this is Renfield’s default state. I believe he only turned violent because he was being restrained and distracted from what he wanted to be close to. Believe it or not, Seward, people will act that way sometimes if you do that to them!! Just saying!!

Still, interesting that Seward decides to let him be unrestricted now. Would he do so under normal circumstances? I think so, but definitely not the day after the incident.

Seward is satisfied that Renfield sees him as “apart” from the attendants? Lol yeah, I definitely see why everyone was saying he was butthurt from the day before — I can totally see the contrast here!!

“I don’t take stock in cats” probably for the best, tbh…I love that since spiders didn’t work, Seward tried to persuade him with cats this time.

Renfield becoming violent at dawn is interesting, definitely something to keep in mind.

Three nights have passed??? Again, no?!?

Seward talking about Renfield being under some kind of influence is very ironic here

Where have I seen this “hunt a guy for sport” idea before? 🤔 Oh, right! The Menu. Now I know the inspiration for the man-hunting game /j

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Nova’s Thoughts - Dracula Daily - August 19

In which there is joy at least and Renfield goes for a little run…

“Joy, joy, joy! although not all joy.” I love how she’s so happy, yet so practical. Like, “yay, everything’s great! Well, technically that’s incorrect…” ugh I love her so much

She’s going to see Jonathan at last!! These two crazy kids are going to reunite. Good for them <333

Love Mr. Hawkins playing wingman with “marriage now, maybe? 👀” I know there’s a more serious reason he’s suggesting this (for instance if Jonathan doesn’t get better…), but I still want to believe it’s in part because Mr. Hawkins just wants them to get married lol

“I have cried over the good Sister's letter till I can feel it wet against my bosom, where it lies. It is of Jonathan, and must be next my heart, for he is in my heart.” Awww Mina 😭😭 and also, *iconic* line right there.

I know she must be so worried for how he’s doing, especially after caring for her other favorite person Lucy and feeling rather helpless in that situation :((( you got this girl!

The letter he touched will comfort her 😭😭😭 could this get anymore sweet???

Now on to another edition of Seward’s podcast (which, FYI, does contain ableist language I won’t be quoting)…

Imagine one of your patients starts sniffing the ground like a dog and you try to talk to him, and his response is just “nah, I don’t want to talk to you, pleb.” Renfield becomes more iconic by the day.

Oooo I like what Seward’s putting down here with the religion distinction: to him, God cares about everyone, but Renfield’s god (or, Renfield, if Seward’s prediction comes true) doesn’t care about anyone except those they deem important.

^^ ok I wrote this really early in the morning before reading anyone’s takes on it and now, having read some takes on this, I see that taking into account Seward’s surly attitude, this is not the objective, rational opinion I thought it was. I still want to include my OG viewpoint because I do think it’s cool to get Seward’s views on religion if that’s actually what he believes, but I do see what everyone else means when they say he’s actually being pouty about Renfield not paying attention to him, and thinking of himself as an “eagle” in this scenario….Seward, buddy, get over yourself please 🙄

I’m just imagining Seward pretending not to watch Renfield while reading a book or something but all the time staring at him like 👁️👄👁️…somehow, I think Renfield probably noticed you doing that. Just saying.

Seward’s like “you don’t love spiders anymore? :(“ Renfield: *extremely cryptic reply, which equates to “I only cared about the spiders because Dracula wasn’t here yet”* :p

Seward thinking of Lucy again :((( yeah never a good idea to mix your — um, “sleeping chemical” (which, by the way, such a nerd move to list the entire chemical symbol and I love him for doing it) — with depressing thoughts of Lucy. I’m actually proud of him for sticking to his convictions on this one!

…and it pays off! Renfield’s on the run!

I’m picturing Seward having to get out of the window (with help) and it is a very funny image. 10/10 on Renfield for making Seward feel the need to do that 👏👏👏

Hey, Seward, maybe focus less on the “Renfield’s a beggar for wanting a reward from his ‘master’” thing and more on who he was talking to…it might save us some headaches in the long run. Oh? You’ve already taken him back to the asylum? Great, love that. /s

“So I took the hint, and came too.” ……………📸🤨 (I know that’s not what he means but it is funny nonetheless :D)