Carmilla

by Sheridan Le Fanu

Carmilla: Style 1 key example

Chapter 2 
Explanation and Analysis:

Le Fanu's writing style in Carmilla is highly descriptive and evocative. He uses vivid imagery as well as conventions of Gothic literature to set up the novella's events and atmosphere. Moreover, he uses foreshadowing and pacing to slowly reveal dramatic information to reader. He also uses symbolism and allusion to add layers of depth and meaning in the story. This can be seen in the below passage from Chapter 2: 

We sat down on a rude bench, under a group of magnificent lime trees. The sun was setting with all its melancholy splendor behind the sylvan horizon, and the stream that flows beside our home, and passes under the steep old bridge I have mentioned, wound through many a group of noble trees, almost at our feet, reflecting in its current the fading crimson of the sky.