Carmilla By Sheridal Fanu

Sheridan Le Fanu’s novella Carmilla, published in 1872 is a vampire story that exemplifies elements of female sexuality and of Gothic vampirism. Vampire fiction in English literature often embodies the fears of a society. The Victorian Era was not as accepting of female sexuality or, even more fearsome, homosexuality. It was common for vampire stories during this era to reflect upon these fears in society. The story of Carmilla was seen as a definitive tale that portrayed the unthinkable, meaning it went against the strict Victorian society. The story of Carmilla illuminates a creature in the human form that is sexually allured towards the protagonist, Laura. It is evident that Carmilla, the vampiric figure, continuously arouses Laura with the use of many sexual statements. For …show more content…
Carmilla is also very possessive over Laura and she demonstrates this by revealing her intimate affections for her. The “vampiric love” between Carmilla and Laura does indeed mirror abusive relationships in the world around us. Carmilla came off as a very sweet, playful and beautiful girl in the beginning of the story. She started to grow an attitude and became very assertive with Laura, especially after times where she didn’t get her way. An example of this is when Carmilla states, “You pierce my ears, said Carmilla, almost angrily, and stopping her ears with her tiny fingers. Besides how can you tell that your religion and mine are the same; your forms wound me, and I hate funerals. What a fuss! Why you must die—everyone must die; and all are happier when they do. Come home” (Ch 4, pg. 14). Carmilla likes to control Laura in many