Southern Gothic is a genre that depicts Southern features and aspirations from the nineteenth century. Highlighting characteristics of Southern Gothic literature and delving into violence and grotesque characters provides insight into the genre's subject matter. The genre's origins originate from tensions and beliefs expressed in a literary movement to describe society in the South. Southern Gothic literature grew popular before the First World War, providing a narrative for societal and racial divisions throughout the South. Characters in Southern Gothic literature frequently exhibit grotesque qualities, defining someone who is congruous or bizarre. Southern Gothic literature was used by authors, such as William Faulkner, to tell novels about …show more content…
"Gothic literature from the southern region often delves into themes of intense religious beliefs, sexuality, and racial prejudice. As I previously mentioned, Southern Gothic literature is widely known for having profound violence, but also political views of southern culture. The tradition of Christian culture is a common theme found in southern literature. The doctrine of sin contributes to the fundamental issues and moral explanations of characters in Southern Gothic literature. Southern literature delves further into the 19th-century human experience in the South. Through grotesque and violent elements, the authors illustrate many aspects of characterization and commonly the theme of death. Flannery O Conner's A Good Man is Hard to Find is a very religious story about forgiveness and making things right. This shows that O'Connor believed that the Holy Spirit can enter even the most difficult situations. O Conner shows this more brightly at the end of the story. Confused, scared and in urgent need, she tries to convince the Misfit to not hurt her by saying "Jesus can help you." The Misfit is reminded of Jesus' life and teachings by what she