Dracula :: Character Analysis, Renfield

While the character of Renfield is ostensively extraneous to the central plot of genus Dracula, he fulfils an important role in relief pitchers exploration of the central themes of the novel. This paper will examine how Renfield character is intertwined with the three central themes of invasion, blood and otherness. Firstly, by means of Renfields inner struggle we let out that he is not his own master (Stoker, 211). The theme of invasion is revealed by the controlling and occupying powers of Count Dracula. Secondly, the recurring theme the Blood is the Life (Stoker, 121), is portrayed passim the novel and has been interpreted through Stokers character Renfield. Then finally, a look at the social construction of the other in Dracula and how, through Renfield, who is unlike the normal lunatic (Stoker, 52), the Count emerges as the other of all others.Stoker has rendered the reader to see the Count as physically healthy and powerful, through Jonathan Harker and his confinement and Lucy Westenra and her failing health. Although the reader does not understand all the omniscient powers and control that Count Dracula possesses over people, they are brought to light through Dr Stewards accounts of his patient R.M. Renfield. The strange and sudden change (Stoker, 86), that has happened in Renfield evokes the reader to contemplate the Counts influence over people. Dr Steward suggests it is as though a religious mania has seized Renfield (Stoker, 87), and is controlling him. The reader is aware that Renfield can feel the Counts presence and that there is a connection between them. This last leads Van Helsing to recognize the bond between Mina Harker and the Count, which helps them to find Dracula and finally kill him. Draculas invasion over Renfield also reveals a weakness in the Counts power. Renfield, an obedient servant of Dracula, claims he is here to do Your bidding, Master. I am Your slave (Stoker, 88). Renfields devotion is quickly reversed when he sees that the Count is taking life from Mina. It is his care for her that causes him to turn against Dracula and try to fight for her. Again Renfields actions mimic that of the other men as it becomes their final stage to save Mina from the invasion running through her body. The key to this invasion is the blood.The central theme of blood in Dracula is paralleled through Renfield.