Literary Analysis Carmilla

This passages touches on the theme of power and dominance. It also sheds some light on female sexuality. Carmilla although seemingly human is not. Because of this she is able to draw people in and deceive them. This is exactly what she had done with Laura. Carmilla has enough strength to over power Laura if she wanted to, but instead she choices to not only befriend her, but to form a strong relationship. The question is why? Why does Carmilla take the time to get close to Laura. Mainly it’s for sport, but I also believe that it’s because Carmilla wants companionship even if it’s temporary. Later in the story a few young women die of an unknown illness, which turns out to be Carmilla. Carmilla could have easily done this with Laura. Even though …show more content…
One way is in a more literal sense. As a vampire Carmilla is feeding of off Laura a living of off her life. Carmilla takes delight in making her victims fall in love with her before she kills them. The other way to look at this is in a more romantic sense. Vampirism is being used in this story as a symbol for female sexuality. Carmilla does really love Laura, but knows that their love is something that is looked down upon in society. Their forbidden romance will be the death of both of them and in some ways it is. Carmilla says to Laura, “I cannot help it; as I draw near to you, you, in your turn, will draw near to others, and learn the rapture of that cruelty, which is yet love.” The “rapture of that cruelty” is an interesting phrase. The delight of the cruelty of love. What Carmilla is saying is that love is both painful and delightful all at the same time. Their relationship does mirror this. They grow close and share good time together, but also there is a lot of pain for both parties. Laura is never the same after meeting Carmilla and is under the close watch of her father. Carmilla is killed by her father and uncle. The men of the story are constantly trying to control Laura and Carmilla and put a stop to their