Chapter 1

I've just completed chapter one and have mixed feelings. I found it quite interesting that in the course of 11 pages we went from Harker describing intertesting features of a pleasant area to finishing the chapter with a very dark scary scene. Chapter 1 did however appear to set the trend for the entire plot. Werewolves are not very common for first chapters in books, despite them being scary books, so I can only conclude that the whole book is dedicated to the supernatural. Bearing this in mind I feel able to make my first prediction: I believe that the book will not have a happy ending since if the first chapter is this dark then I believe the whole book to be. My second prediction involves the rosary the old woman gives Harker. I don't know how but I bet this will be important. It seems to insignificant to put in unless it has a bigger purpose.
It has also been interesting to see gothic signifiers this early on. The dark setting, the werewolves and the overall depiction of the moon has shown the book to be in line with traditional gothic themes. Despite this I have a few questions as to Harker's actions:
Why did he continue on his journey after all the comotion before setting off on his coach? If it had been me then I would have listened to the villagers explaining how dangerous it was rather than considering them fools and going off to visit someone I hardly knew. What do you think?