Chapters 21–23: Renfield reveals Dracula’s influence too late, Mina is attacked in one of the novel’s most disturbing scenes, and the group’s assault on Dracula’s hiding places forces him to flee England.

In Chapters 21–23 of Dracula, Renfield becomes tragic rather than merely strange. He recognizes Dracula’s danger and tries to warn the others, but Dracula attacks him before he can fully escape the Count’s influence. Renfield’s death gives the group crucial information, but it comes too late to prevent Dracula from entering Mina’s room.

The attack on Mina is one of the novel’s central turning points. Dracula forces Mina into a horrifying blood connection, creating fear that she may become linked to him or corrupted by him. Jonathan, Van Helsing, Seward, Arthur, and Quincey respond with urgency. They  ...