Dracula · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Jonathan Harker continues his investigation into Dracula's movements, tracking the boxes of earth that have been transported from Carfax to various locations in London.
What happens
Jonathan Harker continues his investigation into Dracula's movements, tracking the boxes of earth that have been transported from Carfax to various locations in London. He interviews Thomas Snelling and Joseph Smollet, learning that boxes were delivered to Chicksand Street and Jamaica Lane. He also seeks out Sam Bloxam, who transported nine heavy boxes from Carfax to a house in Piccadilly. Meanwhile, Dr. Seward and Van Helsing observe Renfield's peculiar behavior, noting his return to fly-catching and his singing, which suggests a connection to Dracula's activities. The group prepares for a decisive confrontation, with plans to sterilize the Count's earth refuges.
Themes in this chapter
Good versus Evil
The hunters' systematic tracking of Dracula's boxes and their plans to sterilize the earth represent the organized fight against the Count's evil influence.
Madness and Rationality
Renfield's erratic behavior and Seward's attempts to rationalize it highlight the tension between madness and logical investigation.
Characters to notice
- Jonathan Harker
Investigates the distribution of Dracula's boxes, interviewing Snelling, Smollet, and Bloxam.
- Mina Harker
Asleep and pale; Harker decides to keep her ignorant of the dangerous activities to protect her nerves.
- John Seward
Observes Renfield's behavior and coordinates with Van Helsing; places a man to watch Renfield's room.
- Abraham Van Helsing
Visits Renfield with Seward; researches ancient medicine at the British Museum for witch and demon cures.
- R. M. Renfield
Returns to fly-catching and singing; shows signs of connection to Dracula's actions.
- Arthur Holmwood
Assists with preparations, looking after horses for the planned pursuit.
Key passages
“It is better to be disappointed and worried in such a way now than to have her nerve broken.”
It's preferable to let her be anxious now rather than risk damaging her mental health.
Jonathan justifies keeping Mina uninformed about the dangerous mission.
“We must sterilise all the imported earth between sunrise and sunset; we shall thus catch the Count at his weakest, and without a refuge to fly to.”
We need to purify all the foreign soil during daylight hours, which will leave the Count vulnerable and without a safe place to escape.
The group's strategy to defeat Dracula by destroying his earth refuges.