Carmilla Summary & Analysis Flashcards

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.

The church holds the 'moldering tombs of the proud family of Karnstein, now extinct.' Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the character of Laura prepared to be victimised?

Laura has everything she wants and has lived a spoiled, sheltered, and protected life. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is Laura's initial trauma dismissed?

Some of her peers/guardians thought the incident 'trifling.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Laura feel when Carmilla first got into bed with her?

'Pleased wonder' Signup and view all the answers

What is the first evidence of the sexual nature of Carmilla's attack on Laura?

That Laura feels the sensation of two needles digging into her breast. Signup and view all the answers

What suggests a slippage between fact and fiction?

The ambiguity about whether the dream was actually a dream or a reality. Signup and view all the answers

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?

Laura's father's protectiveness comes from love, but it puts her at risk, similar to Mina's situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Laura's father quoting Shakespeare?

It demonstrates his education and foreshadows future danger. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first omen le Fanu introduces to foreshadow future danger?

The approaching carriage is an undeniable omen. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can parallels be drawn between Laura and her father, and Jonathan Harker?

Both display naivety, willing to trust those unknown to them. Signup and view all the answers

How is Laura distracted from a crucial moment in the narrative?

She describes the luxurious room in which the girl is staying. Signup and view all the answers

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?

Laura is both attracted to and repulsed by Carmilla's embraces. Signup and view all the answers

How does Laura attempt to resist any notion of homosexual love or desire?

She wonders if Carmilla is a male suitor in disguise. Signup and view all the answers

Which vampiric trope do both Carmilla and Dracula share?

Carmilla's extreme reaction to the funeral hymns. Signup and view all the answers

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.