Chapter 27: Van Helsing's Memorandum (Extract 5)

Terror and Horror

In this extract Van Helsing describes the killing of the three sisters, the Brides of Dracula, the extract begins; '5 November, afternoon...'

This is one of the few times that we get to hear the story from the point-of-view of Van Helsing, the significance of this is that we get to see the human side of Van Helsing because, up until now, he as been portrayed by those around him as a tower of strength ans the all-seeing, all-knowing leader. This extract also shows him at his weakest and the closer he gets to Dracula, the weaker he becomes.

When he enters the crypt and opens the coffin of the first sisters Van Helsing affirst, to himself mainly, that he must be resolved to do this and that he is however he says of a weaker man; '...he delay, and delay and delay, 'til the mere beauty and fascination... have hypnotize him.' In this statement Van Helsing is reaffirming his resolve by saying that a lesser man would become emotional, however, Van Helsing himself is delaying and therefore falling prey to his desires and allowing the evil his has come to destroy conquer him as appose to the other way around, this links to the Gothic theme of heroes and monsters. Also, reading that Van Helsing is giving-in to his desires would be horrific to a Victorian audience.

The idea that Van Helsing is being victimized by his lustful thoughts is re-enforced as he goes on to describe the vampire as having a 'Voluptuous mouth to present a kiss.' Throughout the novel the wold 'voluptuous is used regularly in connection with the female vampires. It is commonly believed that Stoker, uses the figure of the vampire to connotate sex and sexual desires and that blood is Representative of the disease syphilis which was rank in the Victorian era. That interpretation in mind, makes the vampires seem even more dangerous and Van Helsings's description of her seem lustful.

However, Van Helsing is brought back to the task at hand by saying; 'I bethought me of my dear Madam Mina.' This shows that the clarifying and purifying thought of her keep his mind focused and drives him to do what he believes is right. Also, there are links to Jonathan, the though of him and his experiences in Castle Dracula keep him going. 'Jonathan's bitter experience' makes him continue with is quest.

But throughout the extract the reader sees that Van Helsing has continuous doubts; 'The dilemma had me between his horns.' The personification of the dilemma makes it seem as though Van Helsing stands alone it is 'me against them' and he struggles to comrehend that. This also links to the Gothical and Fantastical theme of Good vs Evil.

The end of the chapter is where we really see the human side of Van Helsing and he feelings and behavior after he has slain the vampires is entirely different from when he had to kill Lucy he states that he was 'moved' this small act of emotion shows that he is human and does feel something when he kills. And finally at the end of the chapter he admits that; 'Man is weak.' This reveals even more of the human side of Van Helsing as it could be interpreted that here, he is admitting that even he, Van Helsing, is weak.