Elements of the Gothic in Chapter 21

Firstly, the whole action ridden chapter takes place at night, setting up the scene in the classic Gothic setting.

The aspect of religion and the supernatural is introduced initially through the operation Van Helsing conducts on Renfield. The trephening reminds us that both Dr Steward and Van Helsing are medical surgeons, as well as natural philosophers; a reality check used by Stolker to perhaps prevent the reader get lost in the supernatural elements of the novel. Other connotations to religion are the pronouns used for Dracula. Renfield ironically refers to him as 'Lord and Master', a reference to the Christian deity or God, suggesting implications of Dracula epitomising the anti-Christ. This therefore, would make Renfield a practitioner of devil-worship, clearly threading more Gothic elements into the chapter.

Sexual references are strong within this chapter, another classic Gothic aspect. Mina describes how as Dracula began to bite her, she was in a "half-swoon", which evokes a romantic feeling despite the horrific setting. She also "did not want to hinder him", suggesting she also succumbed to Dracula's seduction, just as Lucy had. The exchange of bodily fluids, this time by both characters again shows strong connotations to sex. By Mina seeing the blood "spurt out", then being forced to "suffocate or swallow", Stolker exhibits a clear parody of oral sex. The emphasis on her mouth reinforces this reference, as afterwards Mina rubs her lips to try and remove the "pollution".

However, there is an element of force in this scene that suggests rape rather than seduction, which is an important distinction for Mina portraying the innocent victim, as women being presented as victims is another significant element of the Gothic. Dracula is "forcing her face down on his bosom" and restraining her by holding her arms away, all while Mina's sleeping husband is next to her. This is also significant, as Dracula has invaded a marital bedroom, and the sexual references therefore would implicate adultery; resulting in the corruption of marriage, and therefore the corruption of Christian tradition, another Gothic element.

Symbolism of light and dark is also used in this chapter. Mina is describes as a "white-clad figure", white symbolising innocence, whilst Dracula is "clad in black", the use of the word "clad" in both descriptions explicitly provokes the direct contrast between the natures of the characters; innocent and evil.

Fear, perhaps the most significant element of the Gothic, is also evoked to the reader through primarily the horror of Dracula. He is strong enough to overcome the "unnatural strength" of a madman, and then when finally, for the first time since Harker's experience in Transylvania, we see Dracula in the flesh. His "devilish passion", "white sharp teeth" and "blood-dripping mouth" portrays a horrific character designed to induce fear. His power is reinforced as his mouth is "champed together like those of a wild beast", animalistic references suggesting how dangerous he can be.