Questions and Answers
What is the significance of the story being told from memory?
Laura has more clarity about how the events of the story affected her.
Why is the account a subjective one?
The reader is only hearing the parts of the story that Laura decides to tell.
How does le Fanu use Laura to convey his socio-political message?
She establishes herself as firmly within the newly emerging middle class.
Give a quote for the Gothic description of the roofless church in the ruined village three miles from Laura's Schloss.
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In what way is the character of Laura prepared to be victimised?
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In what way is Laura's initial trauma dismissed?
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What does Laura feel when Carmilla first got into bed with her?
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What is the first evidence of the sexual nature of Carmilla's attack on Laura?
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What suggests a slippage between fact and fiction?
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In what way can a parallel be drawn between the treatment Laura receives from her father and the exclusion of Mina by the Crew of Light?
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What is the significance of Laura's father quoting Shakespeare?
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What is the first omen le Fanu introduces to foreshadow future danger?
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In what way can parallels be drawn between Laura and her father, and Jonathan Harker?
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How is Laura distracted from a crucial moment in the narrative?
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In what way can parallels be drawn between how the pianist in 'The Bloody Chamber' feels towards The Marquis and how Laura feels concerning Carmilla's physical affections?
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How does Laura attempt to resist any notion of homosexual love or desire?
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Which vampiric trope do both Carmilla and Dracula share?
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Study Notes
Memory and Subjectivity
- Laura's recollection of events reflects the profound impact of her experiences, underscoring clarity amidst the passage of time.
- The narrative is subjective, shaped solely by Laura's chosen retelling of her story.
Socio-Political Context
- Laura represents the emerging middle class, highlighting a shift from nobility to a class defined by work and merit.
Gothic Imagery
- The roofless church symbolizes decay, home to the "moldering tombs of the proud family of Karnstein, now extinct," evoking a sense of lost grandeur.
Character Vulnerability
- Laura's sheltered upbringing and longing for genuine friendship render her vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation.
Dismissal of Trauma
- Laura's traumatic experiences are minimized by her peers and guardians, who find the incidents "trifling".
Initial Encounter with Carmilla
- Laura experiences "pleased wonder" when Carmilla comforts her, suggesting an emotional and physical intrigue.
Sexual Nature of Attack
- The first indication of Carmilla's vampiric intent occurs when Laura feels "two needles digging into her breast".
Reality vs. Fiction
- Ambiguity around dreams blurs the lines between reality and fiction, influencing character perspectives throughout the narrative.
Parental Protectiveness and Danger
- Laura’s father’s love-driven protectiveness ultimately leaves her unprepared for the truth, paralleling Mina's vulnerability when isolated from the group.
Literary Foreshadowing
- The father's quote from Shakespeare alludes to the forthcoming peril, demonstrating educational privilege while hinting at future events.
Omens of Danger
- The approach of a carriage serves as a significant omen, presaging impending danger for the characters.
Naivety in Trust
- Both Laura and her father exhibit naive trust towards strangers, akin to Jonathan Harker's disregard for the warnings from locals.
Distraction from Danger
- Laura's detailed description of an opulent room diverts her focus during a crucial narrative moment, similar to a pianist's distraction in another story.
Conflicted Feelings Towards Carmilla
- Laura grapples with feelings of attraction and discomfort in response to Carmilla's affections, resulting in a mix of love and repulsion.
Resistance to Homosexual Desire
- Laura rationalizes her feelings for Carmilla by questioning whether she may be a male suitor in disguise, revealing her struggle to accept her emerging desires.
Vampiric Traits
- Carmilla exhibits a strong aversion to funeral hymns, illustrating the physical impact of religious elements on her, a trait that distinguishes her from other vampiric figures.
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Description
Explore the crucial elements of Sheridan le Fanu's 'Carmilla' through these flashcards. Delve into the significance of memory and subjectivity in Laura's narrative, uncovering how these aspects shape the reader's understanding of the story. Perfect for students looking to enhance their grasp of this classic gothic tale.