Carmilla

Carmilla by Irish author Sheridan Le Fanu is an 1872 Gothic novella. Many regard it as one of the early works of vampire fiction. Initially published as a serial form it tells the story narrated by a young woman preyed upon by a female vampire named Carmilla later revealed to be Mircalla Countess Karnstein. The character is a typical example of the vampire expressing romantic desires toward the protagonist. The novella has been adapted many times in film. Like other literary vampires of the 19th century Carmilla is a similar product of a culture with strict sexual mores and tangible religious fear. While she selected exclusively female victims she only becomes emotionally involved with a few. Le Fanu's work has been noted as an influence on Bram Stoker's masterwork of the genre Dracula.<br>Like other vampires Carmilla had nocturnal habits but was not confined to the darkness. She was able to change her form and to pass through solid walls. Carmilla works as a Gothic horror story because her victims are portrayed as succumbing to a perverse and unholy temptation that has severe metaphysical consequences for them.