R.M. Renfield: The Missing Link in the Degeneration of Humans into Vampires in Bram Stoker's Dracula
Date of Award
5-2026
Degree Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
School
Humanities
Committee Chair
Alexandra Valint
Committee Chair School
Humanities
Committee Member 2
Ery Shin
Committee Member 2 School
Humanities
Committee Member 3
Nicolle Jordan
Committee Member 3 School
Humanities
Abstract
During the fin de siècle, fears of degeneration of the human species pervaded society, science, and literature, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Previous scholarship has pointed out the influence of contemporary degeneration and criminological theory on the vampire characters, specifically Dracula. This paper looks at how these same theories are shown in the character R.M. Renfield, a patient in Dr. Seward’s mental asylum. Previous scholars have established that the novel uses the language of degeneration for Renfield. However, by comparing Renfield to both the humans and the vampire characters, I argue that Renfield is neither totally degenerated to the level of vampires nor as fully evolved to the level of humans, instead holding a stepping stone spot between these two species. Because of Renfield’s liminal position, his character is often complex and shifting. I argue that towards the end of the novel, Renfield actively regenerates back to humanity as evidenced by his return to sanity, embodying hope in the face of the crisis of degeneration which is mirrored in Mina’s later salvation from devolving into a vampire.
Copyright
Holly Frey, 2026
Recommended Citation
Frey, Holly, "R.M. Renfield: The Missing Link in the Degeneration of Humans into Vampires in Bram Stoker's Dracula" (2026). Master's Theses. 1183.
https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1183