...ENG 102 06 May 2013 Southern Aspects of Gothic Literature Southern gothic writing is a sub genre of the gothic writhing that was originated and most popular during the 1800s in Europe. Southern gothic is unique to American literature in the way that it relies on supernatural, ironic, or unusual events that guide the plot (wisegeek.org.) Unlike gothic style it uses the tools not for the purpose of suspense, but to explore the social issues, and reveal the cultural character of the American south (people.duke.edu.) It is considered to be “Grotesque” which displays a character whose negative qualities allow the author to highlight unpleasant aspects in southern culture. Its defining feature is that it symbolizes problems created by the established pattern and then questions the established pattern’s morality and ethical justification (wisegeek.org.) Some of the other specific features that this style of literature has, is its freakishness; being an outsider; imprisonment; violence; and even the sense of setting in which it takes place(wisegeek.org.) There is usually an important character that is set apart from the world by some kind of negative way, or disability (wisegeek.org.) Some characters may not follow the established cultural pattern but in the end they are considered heroes. Some kind of difference allows them to see a new way of doing things that help bring people to the dark side. When speaking of imprisonment, it is both literal and figurative (wisegeek...
Words: 1540 - Pages: 7
...Gothic Elements Gothic can be defined as literature written to conduct “frightening, feral scenarios in which mysterious secrets, extreme isolation, grotesque images, and characters’ duress combine to create a dark and horrid image for its bold readers” (Renaldo 2). Generally presenting the same themes and tropes, Gothic literature discusses madness, isolation, disease, nightmares, and death. Although in some stories, it also explores unmentionable topics such as murder, suicide, and incest. William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” is a story of a spinster woman who has killed her lover and lain for years beside his decaying body. The story deals with a murder caused by possessive love, and it elucidates the face of death which results in repulsion and compassion. “A Rose for Emily” represents Southern Gothic literature through descriptions of Emily, her house, necrophilia, and the theme of death. To begin with, the narrator portrays Emily Grierson as a once prominent member of the community. However, after the death of her father, she is pitied and often irritating, demanding to live life on her own terms. In the beginning of the story, the author describes her as looking “bloated, like a body long submerged in motionless water, and of that pallid hue. Her eyes, lost in the fatty ridges of her face, [look] like two small pieces of coal pressed into a lump of dough” (Faulkner 53). Being isolated from the outside world since her father died and Homer Barron, her lover, went...
Words: 1177 - Pages: 5
...William Faulkner’s captivating story “A Rose for Emily” is a shining example of gothic literature. Faulkner expresses sadness for the love that is not returned, and a drive that Miss Emily Grierson uses to get what she wishes for. He adapts a gloomy and mysterious tone in order to compare Miss Emily’s rejection to young adults today. Faulkner opens his story by expressing the amount of respect that is shown at Miss Emily’s funeral. It is said that the entire town attended this event, but also that some only showed up to see what the inside of her house looked liked because no one had been inside in over ten years. He explains this to show the mysterious appeal of Miss Emily. By explaining the mystery in Miss Emily, he conveys a dark tone that baffles the audience. Faulkner then shifts the story toward explaining what Miss Emily’s house had once looked like. It was a big grim house that was once white. It was the only one left on the street and many believes that it was an abomination to the community. It is evident that Miss Emily and her house are connected in a way. Miss Emily’s family was once one of the most prominent in the town because of the relationship the father had with Colonel Sartoris, but as she grew older the opinions of her social status changed along with her. Her father not only had great power within the community, he also had power over her as well. This authority is shown through the portrait that Faulkner painted in the story: Miss Emily a slender...
Words: 845 - Pages: 4
...The traditions of the southern gothic genre helped shape American literature because it helps to exemplify the moral blindness of the south. The traits of southern gothic literature are macabre situations and disturbed personalities. Southern gothic literatures traits are clearly portrayed in the stories through the characters. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor is about how a self righteous grandmother and her family go on a road trip, only to be killed by a man the grandmother says is a good man. The three traits of southern gothic literature exemplified in this story are, being an outsider, disturbed personalities, and good versus evil. The Misfit, the man who killed grandmother and her family, says that he didn't belong in jail because he didn't know why he was there, until the doctor told him. He says that he was different...
Words: 694 - Pages: 3
...Throughout the years, American Literature has been drastically influenced by the Southern Gothic genre of Literature. This is largely seen through the traits of Southern Gothic that have been adopted and reproduced by American Literature. These traits of Southern Gothic are portrayed through the themes of novels and short stories. These themes include race, good vs. evil, unrequited love, being an outsider, and violence. Some stories that would fall into the true Southern Gothic genre include “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’connor, “The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson, and “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner. The short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor is about a family that plans a trip to Florida...
Words: 1011 - Pages: 5
...Southern Gothic Genre in America The Southern Gothic Genre has shaped the traditions of American Literature. Not only did it shape the traditions, it introduced Americans to the total opposite of the conservative writing style. The traits of this genre includes: violence, unrequited love, race, class, social structure, being an outsider, and good vs. evil. The stories that have been read in class include: “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, “The Possibility”, and “A Rose For Emily”. All of these stories fit the traits of the Southern Gothic Genre. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” is a dark tale about a family who was murdered. The first example of the traits used in this story is violence. A misfit who has escaped from prison murders a whole family in the woods, in cold blood. Another trait used by O’Connor is the trait of unrequited love. The author uses this by mentioning the grandmother remembering that the misfit is the grandmother’s son. Lastly, the trait of being an outsider is used. Flannery uses this trait by making the grandmother an outsider in several instances. Such as when the grandmother wants to go to a different vacation spot than the rest of the family....
Words: 562 - Pages: 3
...Cotina Moore English 1302 Essay #1 Southern Gothic Fiction 02 March 2015 “What Is In A Title” A Literary Analysis of Flannery O’ Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” “Good Country People,” and “Everything That Rises Must Converge” “I am not afraid that the book will be controversial, I’m afraid it will not be controversial-Flannery O’Connor Flannery O’Connor is considered one of the best short story authors of the 20th century. Born in Savannah Georgia in 1925, O’Connor was a devout Catholic. Her writings incorporated religious themes and her southern life (Bio). When reading O’Connor’s short stories, it is very surprising and shocking that the stories are often dark and controversial. Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” “Good Country People,” and “Everything That Rises Must Converge” use macabre, grotesque violence, irony, and grace through the depiction of her characters to illustrate that when an individual is faced with “grave” circumstances; those are the moments when grace is realized. Flannery O’Connor incorporates the use of macabre and violence in her short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” masterfully to elicit an unforgettable moment of grace from a character when faced with her “grave” circumstance. The use of grotesque violence is vividly displayed as a southern family is horrendously murdered by an escaped convict, The Misfit and his accomplices. An “eerie” sense of foreshadowing is realized when the protagonist, the grandmother...
Words: 1211 - Pages: 5
...It has often been said that death is a new type of life. People have debated on whether there is life after death, the nature of death, human emotion towards death, and what death exactly is for centuries. Throughout all known history, individuals have used literature, art, philosophy, and media to portray and justify a true view and accurate representation of the nature of death and all that it entails. This is no less true in southern gothic writing and in the writings of William Faulkner. Published on April 30, 1930 in a major magazine at the time, Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” showcases the life of Ms. Emily Grierson, a local townswoman, and is captured in a mysterious and eventually horrific context that allows the reader to understand the sadness and morbid side of death. The story is a set in a southern context that Faulkner knew all too well and contains implications of contrasts between northern and southern society. Faulkner uses many different elements in this work to portray death in its entire grotesque and horrifying splendor. Particularly, Faulkner uses two certain elements to accomplish this task. Faulkner successfully conveys the theme of the power of death in “A Rose for Emily” by incorporating the use of the literary elements of foreshadowing and narrative voice. Faulkner’s use of foreshadowing works to reveal the theme of death in this work rather well. The story is divided into five different passages, each detailing a progression towards death – the...
Words: 1677 - Pages: 7
...Southern Gothic is a form of literature with a style specific to itself. There are many unique elements that’s are characterized only to southern gothic literature. The Southern Gothic style uses traits such as grotesquery and ironic events to judge the morals of the American South. Unlike its similar and older genre, Gothic tools are used not only for the sense of anticipation, but also to discover social issues and show the cultural aspect of the American South. One thing that holds dear to the south is religion. Many southerners claim Christianity, which to them makes their morals right. Southern culture has been and remains commonly and publically more conventional the rest of the United States. Due to the huge agricultural role that the south played in the building of Americas economy, the culture continued to be sacred and covered due the immense land ownership during that time. The societies where small, which led to the development of strong relationships through business, community gatherings and church. The south is known for being the most religious section in the United States. According to Adherents.com the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest denomination, claims roughly 16 million members. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life reports that “more than eight in ten people in Mississippi (82 percent) say religion is very important in their lives, making the Magnolia State the most religious according to this measure.” Flannery O’Connor created...
Words: 1056 - Pages: 5
...“The River” By Flannery O’Conner Analysis The Bible has and always will have the uncanny ability to express meanings and truths in personal and powerful ways. Magnificent stories that carry themes and lessons that are seen by some, but lost to others. In the short story “The River” by Mary Flannery O’Conner a similar approach was used. O’Conner uses the powerful symbolism and brilliant metaphor of The River to craft a story that dives deeply into the themes of Faith and Salvation that express her personal convictions on the secular and Christian world views. This is especially true in Harry’s baptism scene as well as the final scene that take place at the river. In the story “The River” Harry’s Parents seem to show little or no interest in him. Their life is consumed with entertainment and the social life. Harry is either left alone to fend for himself or stuck with baby sitters for long periods of time. On one particular occasion Harry ends up going to a religious gathering at a river with one of his babysitters Mrs. Connin. There he is taken into the water and baptized by bevel the preacher. He is told how much he “Counts” and is loved in the eyes of God. Upon returning home, Harry finds that his parents are having another party. Disappointed, he realizes that living with his parent’s is hopeless and he never will matter to them. Harry then decides to take matters into his own hands. He reflects on how wonderful it was at the river the day before. He leaves the...
Words: 1209 - Pages: 5
...The image is desolate: a lonesome man isolates himself in his home for years as his neighbors question his motives. In To Kill a Mockingbird, author Harper Lee portrays the mysterious character through narrator Scout’s perspective. Scout would listen to the gossip in her neighborhood, especially regarding one peculiar neighbor. Lee characterizes Arthur “Boo” Radley as a benevolent, mysterious outcast. In doing so, Lee suggests that one may isolate his or her self to avoid ruthless judgment from others. Depicted as a compassionate character in the novel, Lee subtly portrays Boo through the use of reliable and trustworthy characters. When Scout asks her neighbor Miss Maudie Atkinson if Boo is still alive, Miss Maudie says she “know he’s alive” because she “[hasn’t] seen him carried out yet” (43). The realization that Boo is still alive becomes a shock to Scout because she does not completely comprehend the reason why Boo chooses to stay in his home. Miss Maudie states that Boo “always spoke nicely to [her], no matter what folks said he did” (46). Despite what Scout said before of a “malevolent phantom” living in the Radley house, she discovers that the neighborhood gossip pertaining Boo were indeed false. In addition, Miss Maudie’s revelation regarding Boo reveals that she does not partake in the neighborhood gossip or believe in diminishing a person’s reputation. However, as Lee portrays Boo’s personality with reliable sources in the novel, she also includes the neighborhood...
Words: 914 - Pages: 4
...Innocence is something everybody has had at one point in time or another but its also something that always fails to stay. Life experiences, as well as presence during times of injustice, will ultimately lead to the shattering of a child's innocence. In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, loss of innocence is displayed through Jem's experiences and coming of age. Jem's visitation to Calpurnia's church had introduced him to the many negative qualities of Maycomb and its people. He also takes in the flaws of prejudice and judgment through his time with Boo Radley. Particularly, it was the trial that shattered his innocence entirely. Jem's witnessing of the harsh racism and brutal injustice during Tom Robinson's trial brought it two steps further, and he broke down. Innocence is something many strive to maintain, but life experiences and viewings of racism and injustice as portrayed by Harper Lee prevent just that. Calpurnia’s church had greeted Jem with prejudice, poverty, racism, as well as the birth of Jem’s realization of how Maycomb truly was. Upon arrival to Cal’s church, Lula, a member of the church, quickly addressed Calpurnia with her thoughts. Approaching Cal, she angrily addresses that she “[...] ain’t got no business bringin white chillun here-- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” (Lee 158). Lula wasn’t afraid to share her opinions on the situation, and her point was that it would practically be a crime if a black child...
Words: 921 - Pages: 4
...Empathy has been a vital part of human society since conception, the ability to sympathize with others is necessary to fix problems and progress as a civilization. In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus teaches his children, an essential lesson. Atticus states "You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them"(Lee). Lee further vindicates this statement through imagery and motif, concluding that, to truly know someone one must observe issues in their shoes. The motif of empathizing with another character's plights to better interpret their actions and the characters themselves is prevalent throughout Scout's narration. The most notable example being when Atticus explains Bob Ewell's rationale for his hostile encounter, "Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial if he had any, to begin with." (Lee). Even though Atticus wholeheartedly disagrees with Bob's response, he still understands them and encourages Jem to do so as well. Showing that even when people act out of impulse and through faulty reasoning it is still paramount to discern their perspective of the incident at hand. Imagery is used to envision Arthur Radley's perspective of the novel. Near the conclusion, Scout sits on the Radley porch and finally begins to see things through the eyes of Arthur rather than her own. Whilst retrospecting, Scout narrates the story through the view of Arthur, "It was fall, and his...
Words: 415 - Pages: 2
...‘Explore how Harper Lee describes the character of Miss Maudie’ The first time Harper Lee introduces Miss Maudie to the reader, Scout says that she spent the rest of her remaining twilights with her. This at once shows us that Miss Maudie isn’t like most adults in the book, who treat Scout like a child, because she is one whom Scout likes to be with and talk to. ‘I spent most of the remaining twilights that summer sitting with Miss Maudie.’ This shows us that Scout, who is quite an adventures child, is very comfortable with Miss Maudie, and Miss Maudie instead of treating Scout like a child treats her more like a friend. She is given off as an auntie figure to the children and it is shown within the book that she is very fond of them as they are of her. Harper Lee shows through a metaphor that Miss Maudie is very adaptable to her surroundings. ‘A chameleon lady who worked in her flower beds in an old straw hat and men’s coveralls, but after her five o’clock bath she would appear on the porch and reign over the street in her magisterial beauty.’ The word ‘magisterial’ Harper Lee uses to describe Miss Maudie once changed from her worker appearance to her more feminine appearance makes me think of how royal she would have looked and how the sudden change would appear to everyone else within the town who saw her. Miss Maudie takes pride in the appearance of her garden as well and it seems to me that because she has no children she treats her plants like children by devoting...
Words: 900 - Pages: 4
...Maturity is essential for life and people go through different processes to achieve it. However many people never mature, and they lose themselves in childish worlds of ignorance. Empathy is an essential tool for reaching maturity, which is prevalent through Scout, a character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. In her novel, Scout matures by following her father’s advice to “climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (39) Examining how Scout treats the Cunninghams, Mayella Ewell and Boo Radley, empathy allowing for maturity is clear. The way Scout treats the Cunninghams shows Scout maturing through empathy. Near the beginning of the novel, Walter Cunningham’s behavior at the dinner table disgusts Scout. Throughout the meal, Scout acts very disrespectful towards him. When questioned about her behavior, she claims that Walter “ain’t company… he’s just a Cunningham.” (33) However, after she learns more about the Cunninghams, Scout declares that “[s]oon’s school starts I’m gonna ask Walter home to dinner.”(299) This reveals the way Scout empathizes with the Cunninghams after learning more about them. Scout begins to understand how the Cunninghams feel when she “[tackles] his entailment once more in a last-ditch effort to make him feel at home.” (205) This moment shows how Scout has grown as a person Scout’s opinion on the lesser fortunate changes as she matures. Nowhere is this more plain then when she shows empathy towards Mayella Ewell. As Scout listens to her testimony,...
Words: 604 - Pages: 3
