Detachment is a theme in the book. When Louis becomes a vampire, one of the first things he notices about his new nature is his detachment to what had been important before. He was detached from his family, his home and property, mortals, and finally, Lestat. Things that had been important to him as a human are no longer important to him. It is this detachment though, that will enable him to make the kill he needs in order to survive as a vampire. Even as he experiences his mortal death, his ability to feel fear disappears.