Carmilla and the Demonization of Queer Women
Abstract
In Sheridan Le Fanu’s novel, Carmilla, he writes a homoerotic relationship between the main character, Laura, and the novel’s “villain,” Carmilla. Carmilla comes to live with Laura and her father at their estate after her carriage “crashes” in front of their house. Carmilla becomes close with Laura, closer than just friends, and this is seen as positive until a new patriarchal figure comes to the estate; Which is when a group of three men, including Laura’s father, General Spielsdorf whose daughter was killed by Carmilla and Baron Vonderberg, a descendent of vampire hunters, decide to kill Carmilla. Carmilla is the first written female vampire and while there is feminist aspects to this novel, there are underlying Victorian era views on homosexuality throughout the novel. The Victorian era discriminated against the closeness of gay men, yet female relationships were seen as a way for women to prepare for marriage and seen as natural. The closeness of Carmilla and Laura is mentioned throughout the novel, as well as Laura’s frequent commentary on the beauty of Carmilla. This is not seen as odd as women were encouraged to be close in the Victorian era. While this Victorian view is present, there is also the demonization of queer women in Carmilla. The fact there is only female vampires in the novel, and that Carmilla preys on young girls, coupled with her brutal death shows the consequences of being a queer woman. I argue that in the novel, Carmilla, Le Fanu depicts the demonization of queer women, as vampires, and what happens when women do not conform to heteronormativity, including, taking control of a queer woman’s narrative, forcing women back into heteronormativity, and death.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
15
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Arts and Humanities
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Matthew Holtmeier
Carmilla and the Demonization of Queer Women
Culp Ballroom 316
In Sheridan Le Fanu’s novel, Carmilla, he writes a homoerotic relationship between the main character, Laura, and the novel’s “villain,” Carmilla. Carmilla comes to live with Laura and her father at their estate after her carriage “crashes” in front of their house. Carmilla becomes close with Laura, closer than just friends, and this is seen as positive until a new patriarchal figure comes to the estate; Which is when a group of three men, including Laura’s father, General Spielsdorf whose daughter was killed by Carmilla and Baron Vonderberg, a descendent of vampire hunters, decide to kill Carmilla. Carmilla is the first written female vampire and while there is feminist aspects to this novel, there are underlying Victorian era views on homosexuality throughout the novel. The Victorian era discriminated against the closeness of gay men, yet female relationships were seen as a way for women to prepare for marriage and seen as natural. The closeness of Carmilla and Laura is mentioned throughout the novel, as well as Laura’s frequent commentary on the beauty of Carmilla. This is not seen as odd as women were encouraged to be close in the Victorian era. While this Victorian view is present, there is also the demonization of queer women in Carmilla. The fact there is only female vampires in the novel, and that Carmilla preys on young girls, coupled with her brutal death shows the consequences of being a queer woman. I argue that in the novel, Carmilla, Le Fanu depicts the demonization of queer women, as vampires, and what happens when women do not conform to heteronormativity, including, taking control of a queer woman’s narrative, forcing women back into heteronormativity, and death.
