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Motifs
Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Adoration and Abhorrence:
Throughout the novel, Laura uses paradox to describe her complex feelings about Carmilla. In Chapter 3, Laura first uses a paradox to describe her feelings towards Carmilla:
Now the truth is, I felt rather unaccountably towards the beautiful stranger. I did feel, as she said, "drawn towards her," but there was also something of repulsion. In this ambiguous feeling, however, the sense of attraction immensely prevailed.
The paradox lies in the contradictory nature of Laura's feelings toward Carmilla: she experiences both attraction to her and "repulsion." Laura's paradoxical emotional state creates a feeling of tension while also complicating Laura's perception of Carmilla.
In Chapter 4, Laura even explicitly describes her feelings for Carmilla as a paradox:
I was conscious of a love growing into adoration, and also of abhorrence. This I know is paradox, but I can make no other attempt to reconcile the feeling.
Laura acknowledges her feelings of love changing into adoration. Love typically involves affection, care, and positive regard for someone, and adoration intensifies these sentiments to a higher level of reverence or worship. At the same time, Laura experiences feelings of "abhorrence," which means she experiences a strong feeling of repulsion, disgust, and hatred. This emotion deeply contrasts the positive emotions of love of adoration she feels for Carmilla. The paradox thus lies in Laura's experience of these seemingly contradictory or opposing emotions.
Throughout the narrative, Laura struggles to make sense of these simultaneous positive and negative feelings. The novella uses this paradox to reveal the complexities of human emotions as well as the depth of Laura's feelings towards Carmilla. Le Fanu's use of paradox underscores the internal turmoil and confusion Laura experiences. Her inability to reconcile these struggles adds depth to her experience and contributes to the psychological complexity of the story.
Related Themes:
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Adoration and Abhorrence:
Throughout the novel, Laura uses paradox to describe her complex feelings about Carmilla. In Chapter 3, Laura first uses a paradox to describe her feelings towards Carmilla:
Now the truth is, I felt rather unaccountably towards the beautiful stranger. I did feel, as she said, "drawn towards her," but there was also something of repulsion. In this ambiguous feeling, however, the sense of attraction immensely prevailed.
The paradox lies in the contradictory nature of Laura's feelings toward Carmilla: she experiences both attraction to her and "repulsion." Laura's paradoxical emotional state creates a feeling of tension while also complicating Laura's perception of Carmilla.
In Chapter 4, Laura even explicitly describes her feelings for Carmilla as a paradox:
I was conscious of a love growing into adoration, and also of abhorrence. This I know is paradox, but I can make no other attempt to reconcile the feeling.
Laura acknowledges her feelings of love changing into adoration. Love typically involves affection, care, and positive regard for someone, and adoration intensifies these sentiments to a higher level of reverence or worship. At the same time, Laura experiences feelings of "abhorrence," which means she experiences a strong feeling of repulsion, disgust, and hatred. This emotion deeply contrasts the positive emotions of love of adoration she feels for Carmilla. The paradox thus lies in Laura's experience of these seemingly contradictory or opposing emotions.
Throughout the narrative, Laura struggles to make sense of these simultaneous positive and negative feelings. The novella uses this paradox to reveal the complexities of human emotions as well as the depth of Laura's feelings towards Carmilla. Le Fanu's use of paradox underscores the internal turmoil and confusion Laura experiences. Her inability to reconcile these struggles adds depth to her experience and contributes to the psychological complexity of the story.
Related Themes:
