Carmilla

The discourse of female sexuality is explored through le fanu’s use of gothic vampiric fiction. The 19th century English Literature exploits the theme of vampirism in order to explore an alternative concept of female sexuality and gender roles. The symbolic representation of female sexuality associated with the vampire character of Carmilla can be viewed as le fanu’s effort to embody the ideals of his society with regards to female sexuality and female emancipation and its consequences. This exploration of homosexuality was both controversial and unprecedented in English literature. Female sexuality was seldom presented in literature of the Victorian era. It was unparalleled that women were referred to as sexual beings, and the term homosexuality …show more content…
Le fanu could have employed Carmilla’s character to reveal the consequences of female sexuality as well as female independence and liberation. Carmilla’s character also becomes complex in the way it represents female sexuality as constraining rather than liberating through its vamperic depiction of Carmilla. Vampires are viewed as deathly rather than lively. This symbolic representation of female sexuality associated with the vampire character of Carmilla can be viewed as le fanu’s attempt to represent the ideals of his society in regards to female sexuality and female liberation and its consequences. Critics argue that carmillas homoerotic characteristics can be associated with immorality or wickedness, thus the use of gothic vampire elements in Carmilla’s characterization employ the idea of female sexuality as monstrous. Through Laura’s journey of compulsion and memorization of her lover her sexuality and lesbian desire is aroused and her erotic sexualized behavior becomes more intense between the two …show more content…
Although cautious of carmillas strange behavior laura is mesmerized and drawn to Carmilla. Carmillas vamperic presence captivates and repulses laura but inevitably the sexual tension overcomes lauras ambiguity in regards to her lover. “I felt rather unaccountably towards the beautiful stranger. I did feel, as she said “drawn towards her,” but there was also something of repulsion. In this ambiguous feeling however, the sense of attraction immensely prevailed. She interested and won me.” Lauras yearn for affection and sexual desires lead her to become conflicted with carmillas iniquitous behavior. Even at the end of the novel, Laura’s knowledge of carmillas true identity as a murderous vampire did not stop her from grieving her lover. Carmilla haunted laura even years after her