Read the extract printed below. This is from the section of the novel where Dr Seward describes
Mina Harker’s first meeting with Renfield. Explore the significance of the character of Renfield in
the novel. You should consider:
• the presentation of his character in the extract below and at different points in the novel
• the use of fantasy elements in constructing a fictional world.
His method of tidying was peculiar: he simply swallowed all the flies and spiders in the boxes before I
could stop him. It was quite evident that he feared, or was jealous of, some interference. When he
had got through his disgusting task, he said cheerfully: ‘Let the lady come in,’ and sat down on the
edge of his bed with his head down, but with his eyelids raised so that he could see her as she
entered. For a moment I thought that he might have some homicidal intent; I remembered how
quiet he had been just before he attacked me in my own study, and I took care to stand where I
could seize him at once if he attempted to make a spring at her. She came into the room with an
easy gracefulness which would at once command the respect of any lunatic – for easiness is one of
the qualities mad people most respect. She walked over to him, smiling pleasantly, and held out her
hand.
‘Good evening, Mr Renfield,’ said she. ‘You see, I know you, for Dr Seward has told me of you.’ He
made no immediate reply, but eyed her all over intently with a set frown on his face. This look gave
way to one of wonder, which merged in doubt; then, to my intense astonishment, he said: –
‘You're not the girl the doctor wanted to marry, are you? You can't be, you know, for she's dead.’
Mina Harker’s first meeting with Renfield. Explore the significance of the character of Renfield in
the novel. You should consider:
• the presentation of his character in the extract below and at different points in the novel
• the use of fantasy elements in constructing a fictional world.
His method of tidying was peculiar: he simply swallowed all the flies and spiders in the boxes before I
could stop him. It was quite evident that he feared, or was jealous of, some interference. When he
had got through his disgusting task, he said cheerfully: ‘Let the lady come in,’ and sat down on the
edge of his bed with his head down, but with his eyelids raised so that he could see her as she
entered. For a moment I thought that he might have some homicidal intent; I remembered how
quiet he had been just before he attacked me in my own study, and I took care to stand where I
could seize him at once if he attempted to make a spring at her. She came into the room with an
easy gracefulness which would at once command the respect of any lunatic – for easiness is one of
the qualities mad people most respect. She walked over to him, smiling pleasantly, and held out her
hand.
‘Good evening, Mr Renfield,’ said she. ‘You see, I know you, for Dr Seward has told me of you.’ He
made no immediate reply, but eyed her all over intently with a set frown on his face. This look gave
way to one of wonder, which merged in doubt; then, to my intense astonishment, he said: –
‘You're not the girl the doctor wanted to marry, are you? You can't be, you know, for she's dead.’
