The Eternal Conflict

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The Eternal Conflict
Bram Stoker’s Dracula focuses on the oldest conflict known to literature: good versus evil. The beliefs of Harker and his allies are firmly rooted in Christianity, whereas Dracula haunts them and hopes to bring them over to the dark side. Although the battle between good and evil is prominent throughout the text, chapter 21 provides a stellar example of the conflict. When Van Helsing and Seward confront Dracula in the Harker’s bedroom, there are many elements that reveal the theme of good versus evil, most often with Biblical references.
Early in the chapter, Stoker goes to great lengths to show the nobleness of Dr. Van Helsing and Seward. After Renfield is attacked, Seward and Dr. Van Helsing are immediately at the injured man’s side. In fact, Dr. Van Helsing is able to bring Renfield back to consciousness just long enough for him to explain what happened. Dr. Van Helsing’s miraculous medical operation mirrors Jesus’ revival of Lazarus. The selfless actions of Seward and Dr. Van Helsing establish them as righteous characters.
Renfield’s story of his dealings with Count Dracula reinforces the fact that Dracula is an evil, disloyal creature. Dracula had come to Renfield’s cell a few days earlier. The Count made an offer to Renfield: “All these lives I will give you, ay, and many more and greater, through countless ages, if you will fall down and worship me!” Dracula’s visit to Renfield recalls the Devil’s temptation of Jesus in the desert. However, Renfield is unable to resist Dracula’s offer, and he agrees to serve the Count. However, Dracula fails to make good on his promises, and instead mortally wounds Renfield. Since Dracula takes advantage of the mentally weak Renfield, then betrays him, Dracula is shown to be evil and treacherous.
The theme of good versus evil is most prominent when Seward and Dr. Van Helsing confront Dracula in the Harker’s bedroom. Armed wit...