Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Carmilla, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Women and Sexuality
Loss of Innocence
Love and Lust
Class and Class Warfare
Science, Religion, Nature, and the Supernatural
Summary
Analysis
Despite her experience, Carmilla refuses to allow an attendant to sleep in her room. The next morning, a doctor—for whom Laura’s father had sent without informing her—arrives to examine Laura. Laura meets the doctor in the library with Madame Perrodon and tells him her symptoms, which appears to worry him. He asks to see Laura’s father in private. Laura and Madame Perrodon watch from afar, curious as to what they are discussing. Laura’s father appears agitated and concerned.
Laura’s father finally takes action and sends for a doctor to examine Laura, but then he only discusses the matter in private, once again keeping his daughter in the dark. Laura, meanwhile, is increasingly curious as to the truth about her illness.
Themes
Laura’s father asks her to come closer, and for the first time Laura is truly alarmed about her illness. The doctor asks about the feeling of the needles piercing her skin after her first dream. She shows him the place where the sensation had occurred, revealing a small blue spot. He assures her she is not in any danger and should soon recover. He asks to see Madame Perrodon, and instructs her that she should not leave Laura alone, even for a moment. Laura’s father requests that the doctor return later that evening to examine Carmilla, who has been exhibiting similar symptoms but to a much lesser degree. The doctor agrees and then departs, her father walking out with him in earnest conversation.
After the doctor examines her, Laura finally becomes afraid and realizes that there might be something seriously wrong with her. Despite her fear, both her father and the doctor assure her that everything is going to be alright. However, by this point Laura begins to doubt the truth of this. She no longer fully trusts her father’s word or his assurances, instead wondering about the exact nature of her illness.
Themes
Laura and Madame Perrodon discuss the reasoning behind the doctor’s strange directions. While Madame Perrodon thinks Laura might be at risk of a stroke, Laura believes it was merely a precaution. Laura’s father returns with a letter from the General Spielsdorf, who will be arriving at the schloss shortly. Laura’s father does not appear happy at the news, and wishes the General had chosen another time to visit. Laura asks her father if the doctor thinks she is very sick, but he reassures her that if the proper precautions are taken, she will be fine. He refuses to tell her what the doctor believes is wrong with her, and appears annoyed at her questions, telling her not to worry about it.
Laura becomes more persistent with questioning her father about the things he refuses to tell her. Her father, although he continues to insist that everything will be fine, is annoyed at her questions and upset that she is no longer merely taking him at his word.
Themes
Laura’s father leaves the room briefly before returning to announce that he is traveling to Karnstein and that Laura and Madame Perrodon will accompany him. He intends to visit a priest who lives near the grounds, and Carmilla and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine will follow behind once Carmilla wakes up.
Rather than allow Laura to know his motivations, her father merely tells her where they’ll be going and once more keeps her in the dark. He continues to believe he is acting out of love and protection for his daughter.
Themes
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Laura, her father, and Madame Perrodon depart for their journey at noon, heading towards the deserted town and destroyed castle of Karnstein. During their journey, they run into General Spielsdorf, who is riding towards them. They persuade him to join them in their carriage and send his own carriage back to the schloss.
The introduction of General Spielsdorf, who had previously only been mentioned, is a major turning point in the narrative, and begins the climax of the story.
Themes
