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Quincey Morris adds an American folk hunter archetype to the ensemble, which greatly contrasts with the varying classes and educations of the European characters. Morris’s outsider viewpoint is seen within the structure of the book, as he remains the only character to not keep a written record, aside from Dracula himself. However, this does not render him ignorant or unhelpful. In Chapter 12, he mentions that vampire bats had drunk the blood of his horse in South America, which he was forced to kill. His youthful, brash personality and willingness to accept what must be done to stop Dracula offer a refreshing contrast to the nobility of aristocrats and doctors.
Morris represents a traditional view of masculinity for the time period that differs from those of Dr. Seward and Arthur Holmwood. Morris, perpetually armed with a hunting knife, is the least refined character and quickest to act. These traits make him an invaluable instrument in finally killing Dracula. Morris, dying from injuries sustained in the fight with the Gypsies who guarded Dracula’s tomb, feels like he was doomed for a premature, heroic death and even boasts of this with pride moments before his own demise. Unlike Dr. Seward and his concern with matters of religiosity, Morris is content knowing he laid his life down to save others. His name is passed on, as Jonathan and Mina name their child after him, meaning Morris’s very legacy evokes the kinds of tall tales that he, himself, would tell.
