Chapter 15: CHAPTER XV
Chapter Summary
Dr. Seward reflects on Van Helsing's disturbing revelations about Lucy being Un-Dead and the plan to prove her condition by opening her tomb. The chapter details their night-time vigil in the churchyard, the discovery of Lucy's empty coffin, and the subsequent re-examination revealing her body alive and beautiful, confirming her transformation into the Un-Dead. Van Helsing discusses the necessity of killing her to prevent further harm and plans to act the next night, emphasizing the danger posed by the vampire and the importance of their mission.
Sequence of Events
Chapter: Main Characters (4)
Initially skeptical, he begins to accept the possibility of Lucy's Un-Dead state, though still struggles with the horror of the situation.
Remains resolute and calm despite the horror, demonstrating conviction in his beliefs and plans.
Expresses strong emotional resistance but shows willingness to follow Van Helsing’s lead, indicating internal conflict.
Displays loyalty and courage, accepting the peril of their mission.
View Profile →Settings & Locations
Churchyard at Kingstead, Lucy’s tomb
Hospital where the child was treated,Jack Straw’s Castle inn,Hampstead Heath
Dark, tense, ominous, and foreboding, with a sense of dread and horror
Dark night, overcast sky, scattered lamps, old tomb with decayed flowers, eerie silence
Themes & Connections
Foreshadowing
Hints at the imminent need to destroy Lucy to prevent her harming others.
Chapter Content
# CHAPTER XV DR. SEWARD’S DIARY--_continued_. For a while sheer anger mastered me; it was as if he had during her life struck Lucy on the face. I smote the table hard and rose up as I said to him:-- “Dr. Van Helsing, are you mad?” He raised his head and looked at me, and somehow the tenderness of his face calmed me at once. “Would I were!” he said. “Madness were easy to bear compared with truth like this. Oh, my friend, why, think you, did I go so far round, why take so long to tell you so si...