Stirring Sexual Desires
03/15/25 • 24 min
Welcome to Celebrate Poe - This is episode 345 - Stirring Sexual Desire
I was looking at the podcast episodes I have done, and realized that I had written three or more episodes for each subject. But I only did two for Carmilla, and have come to realize that the narrative does deserve more attention. You see, there is no question that Carmilla has lesbian/homoerotic undertones that were groundbreaking for its time. Being a gay male, I might not be the ideal person to speak to the lesbian subtext, but I can certainly give it a try.
The story features several scenes of physical closeness between a young woman named Laura and a female vampire named Carmilla, including embraces, caresses, and even Carmilla fondling Laura in bed. These interactions are described in sensual terms that suggest a romantic and sexual attraction. The relationship between the two women is characterized by intense emotions, possessiveness, and a deep, almost obsessive connection that goes beyond typical friendship.
Carmilla is one of the early works of vampire fiction, definitely predating Bram Stoker's “Dracula." The story is narrated by Laura, a young woman who becomes the target of a female vampire named Carmilla.
Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.
Welcome to Celebrate Poe - This is episode 345 - Stirring Sexual Desire
I was looking at the podcast episodes I have done, and realized that I had written three or more episodes for each subject. But I only did two for Carmilla, and have come to realize that the narrative does deserve more attention. You see, there is no question that Carmilla has lesbian/homoerotic undertones that were groundbreaking for its time. Being a gay male, I might not be the ideal person to speak to the lesbian subtext, but I can certainly give it a try.
The story features several scenes of physical closeness between a young woman named Laura and a female vampire named Carmilla, including embraces, caresses, and even Carmilla fondling Laura in bed. These interactions are described in sensual terms that suggest a romantic and sexual attraction. The relationship between the two women is characterized by intense emotions, possessiveness, and a deep, almost obsessive connection that goes beyond typical friendship.
Carmilla is one of the early works of vampire fiction, definitely predating Bram Stoker's “Dracula." The story is narrated by Laura, a young woman who becomes the target of a female vampire named Carmilla.
Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.
Previous Episode
Leaving Me Trembling
Welcome to Celebrate Poe - This is episode 344 - Leaving Me Trembling
Hope you are doing well, and I will just jump right into it -
One of the most explicit passages in Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla that hints at lesbian desire, within the constraints of Victorian Gothic literature, is as follows:
"Sometimes after an hour of apathy, my strange and beautiful companion would take my hand and hold it with a fond pressure, renewed again and again; blushing softly, gazing in my face with languid and burning eyes, and breathing so fast that her dress rose and fell with the tumultuous respiration. It was like the ardor of a lover; it embarrassed me; it was hateful and yet overpowering; and with gloating eyes she drew me to her, and her hot lips travelled along my cheek in kisses; and she would whisper, almost in sobs, 'You are mine, you shall be mine, you and I are one for ever.' Then she has thrown herself back in her chair, with her small hands over her eyes, leaving me trembling”.
Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.
Next Episode
Challenging Male Authority
Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 345 - Challenging Male Authority
Well, I had planned for the previous episode to be the last one where I dealt with Carmilla - but I soon found out that the work was easy to get into, but hard to get out of. So what follows is another - and hopefully the last - episode regarding Carmilla.
You see, ”Carmilla" focuses more on psychological terror and emotional entanglement rather than physical violence, creating a more nuanced and unsettling atmosphere that can really stick with you.
As mentioned in the previous episode, the novella is notable for its portrayal of same-sex desire, with Carmilla expressing romantic and sexual interest in her female victims. This queer subtext was groundbreaking for its time.
Carmilla also exhibits some unique traits compared to other literary vampires. She can move about during daylight hours, though she has nocturnal habits. And unlike some vampires who prey indiscriminately, Carmilla becomes emotionally involved with a select few of her victims, adding depth to her character. The novella incorporates classic Gothic fiction elements, including a supernatural figure, a dark castle setting, and an ominous atmosphere.
Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.
Celebrate Poe - Stirring Sexual Desires
Transcript
Welcome to Celebrate Poe - This is episode 345 - Stirring Sexual Desire
I was looking at the podcast episodes I have done, and realized that I had written three or more episodes for each subject. But I only did two for Carmilla, and have come to realize that the narrative does deserve more attention. You see, there is no question that Carmilla has lesbian/homoerotic undertones that were groundbreaking for its time. Being a gay male, I might not be the ideal person to speak to the le
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