Final answer:
In Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, Jonathan Harker receives a crucifix from a peasant woman as he travels to Transylvania, symbolizing protection against the darkness he will face.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thing Jonathan receives from a peasant woman as he travels toward Transylvania in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula is a crucifix. This iconic scene is critical in showcasing the novel's ongoing themes of superstition and the battle between good and evil. As Jonathan Harker journeys to the heart of Transylvania, unaware of the horrors that await him at Dracula's castle, the anxious and superstitious locals offer him tokens for protection. A concerned peasant woman gives Jonathan a crucifix after noticing that he is a foreigner and does not have one. The crucifix is not just a piece of jewelry; it serves as a symbol of hope and a tool of defense against the dark forces he will encounter.
The scene is not only central to the narrative but it also introduces the reader to the undercurrents of fear and foreboding that permeate the novel. It is an early indication that Jonathan is entering a realm where ancient folklore and the supernatural are part of everyday life. The gift of the crucifix hints at the use of religious symbols as a form of protection against vampires, which is a recurring motif in vampire lore. Despite Jonathan's initial ignorance of its purpose, the crucifix becomes a significant element in his survival and resistance against Count Dracula's malevolent influence.