Carmilla
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
A lonely castle
How does Laura's isolated life in the Styrian schloss prepare the ground for Carmilla?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of her childhood vision of a visitor at her bedside?
- Why is she so eager for a companion?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
How does Laura's isolated life in the Styrian schloss prepare the ground for Carmilla?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of her childhood vision of a visitor at her bedside?
- Why is she so eager for a companion?
What did you make of the way Carmilla arrives, left behind after a carriage accident?
Keep the conversation going
- Why do Laura's father and household take her in so readily?
- Who is the mysterious lady in the carriage?
How did you read Carmilla's passionate affection for Laura?
Keep the conversation going
- What does Laura feel in return?
- How does the novella handle desire between the two women?
How does Laura's illness creep in, and why does nobody see it?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of Carmilla's refusal to pray?
- What other signs did you notice?
What does the restored portrait of Mircalla, Countess Karnstein, reveal?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does Carmilla's name keep changing, while the letters stay the same?
- How did you feel when you realised who she was?
What does the General's story of his niece add to the tale?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does the story come so late?
- How does it change Laura's view of Carmilla?
How did you feel about the ritual at the Karnstein tomb?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of Baron Vordenburg?
- Is Carmilla only a monster?
Why does Laura still imagine Carmilla's step at her door?
Keep the conversation going
- Is her memory fear, longing, or both?
- How does the book compare with Dracula, written decades later?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.