Gender and Desire in Victorian Shadows of Carmilla and Dracula

Introduction

Victorian literature, renowned for its exploration of societal norms and human psychology, often delves into the darker recesses of the human psyche through motifs like the "shadows of the past" and the "demon lover." These motifs not only reflect the anxieties of the Victorian era but also serve as vehicles for critiquing societal values. In this essay, we examine how these motifs manifest in two seminal works: Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Through these characters, both authors explore themes of sexuality, societal expectations, and the tension between tradition and modernity.

By analyzing these narratives, we can gain deeper insights into the Victorian psyche and its complex relationship with the supernatural.

Shadows of the Past in Carmilla

In Carmilla, the motif of "shadows of the past" is embodied by Carmilla, a vampire who represents outdated and oppressive values. This character is symbolic of aristocratic exploitation, preying on the innocence and vitality of young women. Her predation is not merely physical but also ideological, as she challenges the rigid societal norms of Victorian femininity. Carmilla does not adhere to societal expectations for women's behavior. Instead, she embodies a form of female autonomy and sexual expression that is considered taboo. Her relationship with Laura is emblematic of this, as she stirs sexual desires in Laura, countering the societal belief that women do not experience such feelings. This relationship subverts the traditional power dynamics, positioning Carmilla as both a mother figure and a lover, highlighting the duality of her role as a predator and a nurturer.

The societal reaction to Carmilla's behavior reflects the Victorian fear of female sexuality. Her intense romantic feelings towards Laura are seen as a threat to the social structure, challenging the notion that women must abstain from sexual activity until marriage. This fear is further compounded by the fact that their relationship is between two women, which is viewed as even more inappropriate. Carmilla's presence in Laura's life fills the void left by absent familial and social connections, yet it also brings about a conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. This tension is a microcosm of the broader Victorian struggle between tradition and modernity.

The Demon Lover in Carmilla

The "demon lover" motif is vividly illustrated in Carmilla's character, who embodies passions deemed morally unacceptable. Her relationship with Laura is marked by a seductive allure that is both captivating and repulsive. Carmilla's actions are not merely predatory but also reflect a deeper psychological manipulation, as she draws Laura into a world of forbidden desires. This relationship is emblematic of an abusive dynamic, where Carmilla objectifies Laura, treating her as an instrument to fulfill her own needs. By claiming ownership over Laura, Carmilla subverts the notion of a healthy relationship, transforming love into a destructive force.

Carmilla's skewed perception of love, as a form of cruel passion that demands sacrifices, further emphasizes the motif of the "demon lover." Her belief that love requires suffering is a reflection of her own internalized pain and self-destructive tendencies. This perception is a stark contrast to the Victorian ideal of love, which is characterized by purity and selflessness. Carmilla's love is inherently destructive, unable to recognize the harm it causes to others. This serves as a critique of the societal constraints placed on female sexuality, as the novel suggests that these constraints can lead to a distortion of natural desires.

Dracula and Victorian Sociophobics

Bram Stoker's Dracula expands on these motifs by embodying Victorian sociophobics—fears of reversion to the primitive, loss of morality, and societal degeneration. Dracula, as the "shadows of the past," represents a barbaric past threatening to invade and conquer the civilized world. His connection to historical figures like Attila the Hun and the Vikings underscores this motif, portraying him as a predator who challenges the advancements of modernity. Unlike the vampire hunters who employ science and technology, Dracula relies on primitive methods, symbolizing a regression to ancestral traits.

Dracula's characterization as an atavistic figure reflects the Victorian fear of degeneration. His ability to shape-shift and control animals exemplifies a reversion to animalism, challenging the notion of human superiority. This is further emphasized by his classification as a "criminal type," with physical features and behaviors that suggest a deviation from the norm. Dracula's presence in Victorian society threatens to undermine the moral and social order, symbolizing the dangers of unchecked desires and the collapse of civilized values.

The Struggle Between Purity and Promiscuity

The struggle between purity and promiscuity is central to both Carmilla and Dracula. In Carmilla, Laura's sexual awakening is portrayed as a gentle fading into mortality, symbolizing the loss of innocence. This loss is depicted negatively in the Victorian context, where innocence is exalted. Similarly, in Dracula, the female vampires embody a promiscuity that defies Victorian ideals of femininity. Their sexualized behavior is seen as a threat to the moral fabric of society, and their defeat by the male protagonists is portrayed as a necessary restoration of order.

Lucy and Mina, as victims of Dracula, symbolize the ideals of Victorian femininity. Lucy's transformation into a vampire represents the corruption of innocence, while Mina's salvation by the male protagonists reinforces the notion that women must be protected from their own desires. The Victorian ideal of masculinity, with its emphasis on control and protection, serves as a bulwark against the perceived threat of female sexuality. This dynamic reflects the broader societal struggle to maintain traditional gender roles in the face of changing values.

Conclusion

Both Carmilla and Dracula use their respective motifs to explore the tensions between societal norms and individual desires. These narratives serve as critiques of Victorian values, challenging the rigid constraints placed on sexuality and gender roles. By examining these works, we gain insight into the complexities of the Victorian psyche and the ways in which literature reflects and critiques the anxieties of its time. Through the lens of the supernatural, these works offer a compelling exploration of the human condition, highlighting the enduring struggle between tradition and modernity.

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