Alexa C. answered • 04/25/23
Bachelor's degree and teaching certificate for Elementary School
Mr. Swales is a minor character in Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," but he plays a significant role in the story. He is an old sailor who is a regular visitor to the Whitby harbor. He is a superstitious man who believes in legends and folklore, and he provides several important pieces of information to the other characters.
Firstly, Mr. Swales tells the young solicitor, Jonathan Harker, about the local legend of the "Black Dog" that haunts the area. This legend foreshadows the appearance of Dracula in the story. Secondly, he tells the characters about the shipwreck of the Demeter, which carries Dracula's coffin to England. This information helps the characters to understand the source of the evil that is haunting them.
Moreover, Mr. Swales' character serves to illustrate the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. He is an old man who is near death, and his conversation with the other characters often centers around death and the afterlife. His presence in the story creates a sense of mortality and vulnerability that contrasts with the immortal and powerful Dracula.
In conclusion, Mr. Swales is a minor but significant character in "Dracula." His superstitious beliefs and knowledge of local folklore provide important information that helps the other characters to understand the threat they are facing. Moreover, his character serves to highlight the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of death, which is a central element of the novel.
