Carmilla Summary & Key Insights

J. Sheridan Le Fanu's "Carmilla" is a gothic novella revolving around the mysterious and alluring Carmilla Karnstein and her devastating impact on the young Laura, the narrator. The story unfolds at the remote Styrian castle where Laura lives with her ailing mother. Their peaceful existence is shattered by the arrival of Carmilla, a beautiful and enigmatic young woman who suffers from a peculiar ailment—a strange aversion to sunlight and a seeming indifference to her own health.

Laura initially feels drawn to Carmilla's captivating charm and strange allure, their relationship developing into an intensely intimate friendship bordering on obsession. However, as their connection deepens, a series of disturbing events plague the household. Local villagers whisper of a vampire preying on young women, exhibiting symptoms remarkably similar to those affecting Laura. These symptoms include inexplicable illnesses, sleepwalking, and the recurring vision of a woman sucking her blood.

As Laura’s health deteriorates, inexplicable occurrences multiply: strange marks appear on her neck, and her overall vitality wanes, mirroring the victims described in the village rumors. Her general practitioner, Dr. Hesselius, is initially baffled, but later becomes increasingly concerned, noticing the uncanny resemblance between Laura’s condition and historical accounts of vampirism. He suspects Carmilla's involvement, but his suspicions are met with Laura's fierce protectiveness and denial.

The narrative gradually reveals Carmilla's true nature as a vampire, feeding on the life force of young women. Her father, General Karnstein, arrives, seemingly concerned, but adding to the growing suspicion. He displays a familiarity with the region's dark history and hints at a familial curse. Through hints and clues, and the gradual unraveling of Carmilla's past, her vampiric nature is revealed.

The climax occurs when Carmilla is finally exposed and apprehended, but not before causing significant harm to Laura. The means of her capture and demise are somewhat vague, relying more on the interference of General Karnstein, rather than a traditional stake through the heart. The novella ends with Laura's slow recovery, leaving a lingering sense of unease and trauma.

"Carmilla" explores several key themes: the ambiguous nature of female desire and its dark side; the societal repression of female sexuality; the fear of the other, particularly in the context of outsider figures; and the blurring line between love and destruction. The ambiguous ending, with Laura's recovery but the memory of Carmilla's presence, leaves a lasting impact, cementing the novella's place as a foundational work of lesbian vampire fiction and a significant contribution to Gothic literature.