Summary
Carmilla, published in 1872, is a groundbreaking Gothic novella by Irish author Sheridan Le Fanu. This influential work predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by 25 years and is considered one of the earliest examples of vampire fiction. Set in Styria, Austria, the story follows Laura, a young woman who becomes the target of a mysterious female vampire named Carmilla.
Le Fanu's novella is notable for its pioneering portrayal of a female vampire with homoerotic undertones. The relationship between Carmilla and Laura is charged with both attraction and repulsion, challenging Victorian-era social norms. Carmilla explores themes of sexuality, identity, and the supernatural, establishing many of the tropes that would come to define the vampire genre.
The enduring influence of Carmilla can be seen in numerous adaptations across various media. One of the most famous is the 1970 Hammer horror film The Vampire Lovers, starring Ingrid Pitt as Carmilla. The novella has also inspired countless other works, from literature and comics to web series and video games, cementing its place as a classic of Gothic horror.
Plot
Laura, a young woman living with her father in a castle in Styria, Austria, recounts the arrival of a mysterious guest named Carmilla. After a carriage accident near their home, Carmilla's mother arranges for her to stay with Laura's family for three months. Laura recognizes Carmilla from a dream she had as a child. The two girls become close friends, though Carmilla sometimes makes romantic advances towards Laura and refuses to disclose any information about her past.
Meanwhile, young women in nearby villages begin dying from an unknown illness. Laura herself starts experiencing nightmares of a large cat-like creature entering her room and biting her breast. Her health declines, and a doctor discovers a small blue mark on her chest. Laura's father decides to investigate by traveling to the nearby village of Karnstein.
On the way, they encounter General Spielsdorf, who tells them about his niece Bertha's similar mysterious illness and death after befriending a young woman named Millarca. The General realized Millarca was a vampire and attacked her, but she escaped. At Karnstein, Carmilla appears and the General recognizes her as Millarca. She flees, and it's revealed that Carmilla is actually Mircalla, Countess Karnstein, a centuries-old vampire.
With the help of Baron Vordenburg, an expert on vampires, they locate Mircalla's hidden tomb. Her body is exhumed, showing signs of vampiric un-death. They drive a stake through her heart, decapitate her, and burn the remains. Laura never fully recovers from the traumatic experience, even after her father takes her on a year-long tour of Italy.
Themes
Female sexuality and lesbian desire
Gothic horror and supernatural elements
Predator and prey dynamics
Repression and expression of forbidden desires
Dualism and blurred lines between good and evil
Loss of innocence and coming of age
Subversion of traditional gender roles
Setting
Set in 19th century Styria, Austria, Carmilla unfolds in a remote castle surrounded by dense forests. The isolated setting creates an eerie atmosphere that permeates the story, enhancing its Gothic elements. Laura, the protagonist, lives a solitary life with her father in this secluded environment, making her vulnerable to the mysterious arrival of Carmilla.
The novella takes place during an era of superstition and emerging scientific thought, reflecting the tension between traditional beliefs and modern skepticism. This backdrop allows Le Fanu to explore themes of the supernatural while maintaining a sense of plausibility. The story's setting in the Austrian wilderness also provides a stark contrast to the civilized world, emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the events that unfold.
While much of the action occurs within Laura's castle, the nearby village of Karnstein plays a crucial role in the plot. This ruined settlement, with its abandoned chapel and hidden tomb, serves as the focal point for unraveling Carmilla's true identity. The juxtaposition of the decaying village against the grand castle underscores the theme of ancient evil lurking beneath a veneer of aristocratic refinement.
Characters
Laura: The young female narrator and protagonist. Laura lives an isolated life in a castle in Austria with her father. She develops a close friendship with Carmilla that has romantic and sexual undertones. Laura experiences strange dreams and her health begins to decline after Carmilla's arrival.
Carmilla/Millarca/Mircalla: The beautiful and mysterious vampire who preys on young women. She forms an intense emotional and physical bond with Laura. Carmilla is revealed to be Countess Mircalla Karnstein, a centuries-old vampire. She sleeps much of the day and wanders at night.
Laura's father: A wealthy English widower who lives with Laura in their Austrian castle. He takes in Carmilla as a houseguest and later seeks to uncover the truth about her with help from others.
General Spielsdorf: A friend of Laura's father whose niece Bertha was killed by Carmilla. He tells Laura and her father about his experience and helps hunt down Carmilla.
Baron Vordenburg: A vampire expert who assists in locating and destroying Carmilla's tomb. He is descended from the man who originally staked Carmilla centuries ago.
Quick facts
The novella was originally serialized in the literary magazine The Dark Blue from 1871-1872 before being published as part of Le Fanu's short story collection In a Glass Darkly.
Carmilla is considered the original prototype for the lesbian vampire in literature, featuring romantic attraction between the female vampire and her victims.
The story is set in Styria, Austria, which may have been inspired by Styria Castle mentioned in Captain Basil Hall's travelogue Schloss Hainfeld; or a Winter in Lower Styria.
Le Fanu based aspects of Carmilla's character on historical figures like Elizabeth Báthory, who was accused of killing young women and bathing in their blood.
The novella influenced Bram Stoker's Dracula, including similar vampire symptoms and the use of a vampire expert character.
Carmilla's true identity is revealed to be Countess Mircalla Karnstein, an anagram of “Carmilla."
The story is presented as part of the casebook of Dr. Hesselius, considered one of the first occult detectives in literature.
Carmilla has been adapted numerous times in film, TV, theater, and other media, including the 1970 Hammer horror film The Vampire Lovers.
Le Fanu drew inspiration from earlier vampire literature and folklore, including Dom Augustin Calmet's treatise on vampires from 1751.
About the Author
Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu was a prolific Irish writer of Gothic tales, mystery novels, and horror fiction in the 19th century. Born in Dublin in 1814, Le Fanu came from a literary family and developed a passion for writing at a young age. He studied law at Trinity College Dublin but ultimately pursued a career in journalism and literature instead.
Le Fanu made his mark as one of the leading ghost story writers of the Victorian era. He specialized in creating an eerie atmosphere and psychological tension rather than relying on overt supernatural elements. Some of his most famous works include the vampire novella Carmilla, the mystery novel Uncle Silas, and the historical novel The House by the Churchyard. His writing often featured themes of the occult, haunted houses, and sinister aristocrats.
In addition to his supernatural tales, Le Fanu wrote extensively in other genres including historical fiction. He owned and edited the Dublin University Magazine for many years, using it as a platform to serialize some of his works before revising them for publication in England. Le Fanu's carefully crafted prose and ability to create a chilling atmosphere influenced later horror writers like M.R. James. Le Fanu died in Dublin in 1873 at the age of 58, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of Ireland's most important supernatural fiction writers and a master of the Victorian ghost story.
