![]() ![]() Morality is in question for many characters. When southern gothic authors examine the human condition, they see the potential to do harm. This can be in the form of a murder or other such macabre themes laced throughout the text. One of the defining features of southern gothic is the cast of off-kilter characters, many of whom are 'not right in the head.' The genre is riddled with many broken bodies, and even more broken souls. Learn the definition of Southern Gothic literature, get to know Southern Gothic authors, and explore the grotesque characteristics of the Southern Gothic style. Macabre and morbid - No Gothic tale is complete without a little death and destruction. Omens and prophecies - The protagonist or a supporting character will often typically have distressing dreams, visions or prophecies connected to the setting or events of the story.Īgony and ecstasy - Gothic stories are often characterized by melodrama, inner turmoil, intrigue, and insanity as well as sweeping romance, grandiose passions and enchanting prose. ![]() Sometimes these supernatural figures are literal, and other times they are symbolic or have a natural explanation. Paranormal activity - Gothic novels are famous for featuring ghosts, vampires, monsters, and other shadowy figures. Terror - The protagonist is haunted by supernatural or seemingly supernatural events such as doors suddenly closing, baying of dogs, footsteps, moans, and eerie sounds in the night. There might be macabre elements but not necessarily including fantasy aspects like vampires, voodoo, or ghosts. Originally derogatory, these stories are set in the South and generally have dark themes and events, bordering on horror or crime. Southern Gothic literature focuses on the social issues and history of the South and the dark themes that can be taken from it. Suspense - Gothic plot lines typically revolve around suspenseful events, familial mysteries, disappearances, unexplainable events, and frightening objects. The term Southern Gothic is often used to describe everything from literature to film and television. Examples include rain, storms, a chill in the air or howling wind.Īrchetypal character traits - Gothic literature typically has particular types of characters: a distressed heroine, tyrannical male characters (usually villains) and anti-heroes, also known as Byronic heroes after Romantic poet Lord Byron. Natural imagery - A hallmark of both Romanticism and Gothic literature is imagery, particularly pertaining to nature.ĭark atmosphere - No Gothic story is complete without atmosphere, including complementary weather conditions. Some common types of settings include castles, haunted houses, graveyards, and dark forests. This is because Gothic literature has specific characteristics like:Ĭreepy settings - In Gothic fiction, the setting is a character in its own right. ![]() There is a reason the word “gothic” brings to mind trap doors, castles, monasteries, and more. ![]()
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