Dracula :: Character Analysis, Renfield

While the casing of Renfield is ostensively extraneous to the central plot of Dracula, he fulfils an important role in stokers exploration of the central infrastructures of the novel. This paper will take apart how Renfield character is intertwined with the three central themes of encroachment, wrinkle and otherness. Firstly, through Renfields intimate struggle we learn that he is not his own master (Stoker, 211). The theme of invasion is revealed by the say-soling and occupying powers of Count Dracula. Secondly, the recurring theme the production line is the Life (Stoker, 121), is portrayed throughout the novel and has been interpreted through Stokers character Renfield. Then finally, a look at the complaisant construction of the other in Dracula and how, through Renfield, who is unlike the usual lunatic (Stoker, 52), the Count emerges as the other of all others.Stoker has rendered the lector to see the Count as physically strong and powerful, through Jonathan Harker and his confinement and Lucy Westenra and her failing health. Although the ratifier does not understand all the omniscient powers and control that Count Dracula possesses all over people, they are brought to light through Dr custodians 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 conscious(predicate) that Renfield can feel the Counts presence and that there is a connection betwixt them. This eventually leads Van Helsing to recognize the bond between Mina Harker and the Count, which helps them to take a chance 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 s lave (Stoker, 88). Renfields obedience is quickly reversed when he sees that the Count is taking life from Mina. It is his rush for her that causes him to turn against Dracula and try to fight for her. Again Renfields actions pantomime that of the other men as it becomes their goal 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.