Dracula · Chapter
Chapter XXVII explained
Van Helsing destroys the three female vampires in Castle Dracula, sealing the castle against the Count.
What happens
Van Helsing destroys the three female vampires in Castle Dracula, sealing the castle against the Count. Mina and Van Helsing travel east to meet the others. The final confrontation occurs: Quincey Morris stabs Dracula, who crumbles to dust, and Morris dies from his wounds. Mina's curse is lifted, and the group mourns Morris's heroic sacrifice.
Themes in this chapter
Good versus Evil
The final destruction of Dracula and the vampire sisters represents the triumph of good over evil, with Mina's purity restored.
Blood and Sacrifice
Quincey Morris sacrifices his life to destroy Dracula, and Van Helsing's 'butcher work' is a bloody ritual to save souls.
Sexuality and Repression
The vampire women are described as 'voluptuous' and 'enthralling,' representing repressed sexual desire that must be violently suppressed.
Characters to notice
- Abraham Van Helsing
Performs the 'butcher work' of destroying the three vampire women and seals Dracula's tomb with a Wafer.
- Mina Harker
Sleeps in a Holy circle; her forehead scar is seen by Van Helsing; she is tempted by the vampire sisters but remains pure; later her curse is lifted.
- Count Dracula
His tomb is found empty; he is banished from his castle; finally destroyed by Quincey Morris's knife and crumbles to dust.
- Quincey Morris
Stabs Dracula fatally, but is himself mortally wounded; dies with a smile, seeing Mina's forehead cleansed.
- John Seward
Present during the final chase and confrontation; records the events in his diary.
- Arthur Holmwood
Part of the group pursuing Dracula; helps in the final battle.
Key passages
“I am only too happy to have been of any service! Oh, God! It was worth for this to die! Look! look!”
Quincey Morris expresses joy that his sacrifice was worthwhile, pointing to Mina's now-cleansed forehead as proof.
Morris's dying words emphasize the redemptive power of his sacrifice.
“The curse has passed away!”
Morris declares that Mina is no longer tainted by Dracula's curse.
This line marks the resolution of Mina's ordeal and the victory over evil.