|
Post by Josh on Feb 10, 2007 15:20:21 GMT -8
11/1/06:
I'm reading Dracula (the original 1898 by Bram Stoker) with my students. It's my second time through it, and as I stated on the Miscellaneous opinions forum, it's one of favorites. Yes, I realize, though a 'classic' it's not necessary Shakespeare, but like most of my favorites (Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Watership Down, etc..) I think it provides an empowering lens through which to view the reality of spiritual warfare and the calling of the Church.
I'd recommend the book for anyone beset with an intensive, ongoing spiritual struggle which seems to be against 'superior forces'. The theme of reliance/dependance upon others and God is powerful- also the steadfastness and vigilence of Dr. Van Helsing are to me a model of what a Pastor should be (please don't be thinking Van Helsing as in the recent movie... you have to read the original for itself). He is capable of tenderness yet also determined frankness. Also, I love Van Helsing's approach to warfare against Dracula: using everything at your disposal- love, science, faith, and sacrament.
I've been listening to it on CD to prep for each class. Today I heard a few choice lines that I'd like to post here when I get a chance.
I know Aimee's reading it right now (we discussed it briefly on the Misc. Opinion forum). How's that going?
|
|
|
Post by Josh on Feb 10, 2007 19:44:13 GMT -8
11/4/06:
Some favorite quotes from Dracula, all of which, in their own way, ring with the theme of 'taking up our crosses':
"It may be that you may have to bear that mark till God himself see fit, as He most surely shall, on the Judgment Day, to redress all wrongs of the earth and of His children that He has placed thereon. And oh, Madam Mina, my dear, my dear, may we who love you be there to see, when that red scar, the sign of God's knowledge of what has been, shall pass away, and leave your forehead as pure as the heart we know. For so surely as we live, that scar shall pass away when God sees right to lift the burden that is hard upon us. Till then we bear our Cross, as His Son did in obedience to His Will. It may be that we are chosen instruments of His good pleasure, and that we ascend to His bidding as that other through stripes and shame. Through tears and blood. Through doubts and fear, and all that makes the difference between God and man." - Van Helsing
"However, we must trust and hope. Poor Mina told me just now, with the tears running down her dear cheeks, that it is in trouble and trial that our faith is tested. That we must keep on trusting, and that God will aid us up to the end."- Jonathan Harker
Dracula, Chapter 22
"God will act in His own way and time. Do not fear, and do not rejoice as yet. For what we wish for at the moment may be our own undoings." - Van Helsing
"We are all drifting reefwards now, and faith is our only anchor."- Jonathan Harker
Dracula, Chapter 23
|
|
|
Post by krhagan19 on Aug 24, 2009 12:57:10 GMT -8
I enjoy the Gary Oldman Francis Ford Copolla Movie "Bram Stokers Dracula" it makes some major changes, is rated R for a very few scenes of gruesome violence and strong sexuality (specifically the three female vampires who tempt Jonathan Harker are Topless. Anthony Hoptkins plays Van Helsing and is REMARKABLE. The only downside to the movie is Keanu Reeves insanely bad british accent. (shudders)
|
|
|
Post by Josh on Aug 24, 2009 13:36:25 GMT -8
Have you read the book? Because I hated the Copolla version because of how seriously it veered from the storyline and still have the gall to call itself "Bram Stoker's Dracula"
|
|
|
Post by krhagan19 on Aug 24, 2009 17:55:43 GMT -8
Yes I have read the book, it is a great book. I think that the Copolla version goes where the book wanted to go but couldn't in Victorian England. I feel that it is in the spirit of Bram Stoker. Unlike Mary Shelley's Frankenstien (I love Kenneth Branagh) but give me a break.
|
|