Dracula · Chapter
XXII explained
Jonathan Harker records the group's preparations and their mission to sterilize Dracula's boxes of earth with the Sacred Wafer.
What happens
Jonathan Harker records the group's preparations and their mission to sterilize Dracula's boxes of earth with the Sacred Wafer. Renfield is found dead, his neck broken. Mina bravely insists on being included in all plans and declares she would rather die than harm her loved ones. Van Helsing accidentally triggers a painful reaction by placing the Wafer on Mina's forehead, which burns her, confirming her corruption. The men swear an oath to save her and proceed to Carfax, where they sanctify each box of earth with the Host.
Themes in this chapter
Good versus Evil
The group's mission to sanctify Dracula's earth boxes with the Host is a direct confrontation of good against evil, using holy objects to defeat the vampire.
Blood and Sacrifice
Mina's willingness to sacrifice herself and the men's oath to save her highlight themes of blood (the vampire's corruption) and sacrificial love.
Madness and Rationality
Renfield's death and the group's rational planning to cover it up (certificate of misadventure) contrast with the supernatural horror they face.
Characters to notice
- Jonathan Harker
Records the day's events in his journal, expresses despair and determination, and participates in the mission to sterilize Dracula's earth boxes.
- Mina Harker
Shows bravery and sorrow, insists on full confidence, declares she would die rather than harm others, and suffers the burning of the Wafer on her forehead.
- Abraham Van Helsing
Leads the group, accidentally causes Mina pain with the Wafer, offers spiritual comfort, and performs the ritual of sanctifying the earth boxes.
- John Seward
Reports Renfield's death and discusses the inquest, participates in the group's planning and the mission.
- R. M. Renfield
Found dead with a crushed face and broken neck, having called out 'God!' before his fall.
Key passages
“As I must do something or go mad, I write this diary.”
Jonathan writes to keep his sanity amid the crisis.
Highlights his psychological strain.
“Because if I find in myself—and I shall watch keenly for it—a sign of harm to any that I love, I shall die!”
Mina vows to kill herself if she becomes a danger to others.
Shows her resolve and the theme of sacrifice.
“Unclean! Unclean! Even the Almighty shuns my polluted flesh!”
Mina cries out in shame after the Wafer burns her forehead.
Reflects her sense of spiritual corruption.
“We must sterilise this earth, so sacred of holy memories, that he has brought from a far distant land for such fell use.”
Van Helsing explains they must purify the soil Dracula brought.
Key action in the fight against Dracula.