“Carmilla” Essay

Dearest Gentle-reader,

I chose to write an argumentative essay on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s “Carmilla” because of its timeless relevance and its ability to provoke critical analysis of gender roles, sexuality, and power dynamics. My intended audience for this essay is anyone interested in literature, gender studies, or cultural critique, as “Carmilla” offers rich material for exploration and discussion. This project was helpful in my own meta-analysis of learning by providing an opportunity to delve into the complexities of a classic text, apply critical lenses, and engage with scholarly discourse. Through the process of analyzing “Carmilla,” I gained a deeper understanding of how literature reflects and critiques societal norms, as well as honed my skills in argumentation and literary analysis.

Sincerely,

Sophie Geddie

Sophie Geddie

Professor Johnston

ENG-4453

22 February, 2024

Carmilla: An Argumentative Essay

          Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla presents a haunting yet provocative narrative that boldly subverts Victorian social norms—particularly those surrounding gender roles and sexuality. Through the character of Carmilla, the seductive and enigmatic vampire, and her complex relationship with the innocent protagonist, Laura, Le Fanu not only overturns traditional ideals of femininity and masculinity but also delves into the intricacies of desire, identity, and power in a patriarchal society. Drawing from two additional literary criticisms, this essay argues that Carmilla unsettles Victorian gender norms by challenging idealized notions of womanhood, exploring forbidden forms of desire, and critiquing the era’s rigid power structures.
          Le Fanu’s portrayal of Carmilla fundamentally disrupts conventional representations of femininity. Unlike the passive, virtuous heroines typical of Victorian literature, Carmilla is assertive, seductive, and shrouded in mystery. In the article A Literary Criticism of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla, the author observes, “When Carmilla initially appears in the novel’s opening pages, she seems like a sweet, young lady. She is a vampire preying on the protagonist, Laura, which becomes evident as the plot develops” (A Literary Criticism). What begins as an appearance of gentle femininity soon transforms into a more dangerous and radical reimagining of womanhood—one capable of deception, violence, and transgression. Carmilla embodies a duality: impossibly beautiful and delicate on the surface, yet fully capable of committing the most heinous of acts.
          Alison Armstrong, in her 2017 article The Vampire Carmilla – An Analysis, expands on this idea by describing Carmilla as “a femme fatale with lesbian proclivities… a manifestation of forbidden female desires as well as an embodiment of male misogynistic fears.” Carmilla’s seduction of Laura illustrates this vividly; Laura is “irresistibly drawn to Carmilla,” sensing a deep, mysterious bond between them (Armstrong). What begins as an emotional connection morphs into something far more intimate—and ultimately more threatening. Carmilla is revealed to be not just a charismatic companion, but a powerful and predatory force capable of dominating both men and women with her charm, cunning, and unquenchable thirst.
          Carmilla’s erratic behavior—often shifting between lethargic weakness and violent frenzy—serves as both a metaphor for repressed female rage and a critique of Victorian medical and gender norms. Armstrong suggests that, had Carmilla been human, her symptoms would have aligned with “neurasthenia,” a diagnosis often given to those suffering from severe depression or chronic fatigue. However, Armstrong points out the gendered disparity in treatment: “Women with the same symptoms were often considered ‘hysterical,’ and the treatments differed according to gender” (Armstrong). This disparity underscores how Victorian society pathologized female emotional expression, branding it as irrational or dangerous—a fear Carmilla personifies.
          Carmilla’s bloodlust, queer desire, and refusal to conform to submissive womanhood challenge every boundary of Victorian propriety. Her existence undermines the rigid binaries of gender and sexuality, forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that identity is fluid and desire is not always dictated by societal norms. Through her portrayal, Le Fanu crafts a powerful critique of the narrow roles available to women, while also calling into question the very foundations of patriarchal control.
          In conclusion, Carmilla is far more than a gothic vampire tale—it is a radical interrogation of 19th-century gender expectations. Through Carmilla’s seduction, unpredictability, and unapologetic defiance of heteronormative and patriarchal standards, Le Fanu’s novella reveals the fragility of the societal structures that seek to contain women and their desires. By doing so, Carmilla becomes a timeless work of feminist and queer significance, daring to imagine a world where identity is not prescribed, but discovered—even if in the dark.

Works Cited

“A Literally Criticism of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla.” freshessays.com. 04 2023. Fresh Essays. 02 2024.

Armstrong, Alison. “The Vampire Carmilla – An Analysis.” Horror Vacui, 11 Apr. 2012.