Carmilla is set in 19th century Austria, and the social norms and customs found in the novella reflect the sensibilities of that time. The old-world setting creates the feeling of bygone times and contributes to the story's strong sense of the past. Carmilla's setting also plays a crucial role in establishing its eerie atmosphere. Le Fanu uses rich imagery to describe the castle where Laura lives with her father. The castle's remote location, surrounded by forest and away from civilization, contributes to the characters' vulnerability and creates an ongoing sense of foreboding and danger.
Carmilla's setting is also quintessentially Gothic: it features descriptions of ancient architecture, turrets, high walls, dark corridors, ruins, and mist-covered grounds. The image of the decaying, isolated castle isn't just fluffy description on Le Fanu's part. Rather, the castle's state mirrors the characters' internal conflicts, secrets, and the looming presence of the supernatural. These aspects of the physical environment create a sense of anticipation, fear, and isolation in the characters as well as the reader.
Moreover, Le Fanu incorporates descriptions of the changing seasons and weather conditions into the narrative. These changes in turn contribute to changes in the story's mood. Le Fanu's use of moonlight, mist, and the image of fading landscapes also contributes to the atmospheric and haunting nature of Carmilla's setting. All in all, the setting in Carmilla is intricately woven into the narrative, setting up the perfect backdrop for the suspenseful events that take place in the novel.
