![]() ![]() These characters are the heroes, the redeemers, the opposing factor in comparison to the broken. The second character group is the innocent. ![]() These people are the direct reflections of the cultural and societal ways of life that have become infectious and/or negative these people may literally resemble brokenness through their physicality or more figuratively within their minds or souls. Many, but not all, of the characters in Southern Gothic stories may be grouped into one of two groups. These outsiders and other characters in the story, like the antagonist, may also be based around American southern archetypes/stereotypes. Southern Gothic characters include those who are considered outsiders of society-such as those suffering from a disability, a peculiarity, etc. ![]() The traits of the characters in Southern Gothic stories are often repeated, and in doing so: some characteristics become the criteria for what makes a work Southern Gothic. These stories also demonstrate an instance where there is noticeably something “off” in the world, either within the setting that the story takes place in, or within a person or a group of people. Many of these stories incorporate violence, one way or another, whether it be through physical violence, or emotional violence. Southern Gothic literary works typically have similar plot pieces within them. Some of the traditional ways of life examined in Southern Gothic Literature include, but are not limited to, racism, gender-roles/ patriarchy, slavery, etc. Southern Gothic Literature uses characteristics such as “… the presence of irrational, horrific, and transgressive thoughts, desires, and impulses grotesque characters dark humor, and an overall angst-ridden sense of alienation” (Bjerre), along with supernatural occurrences, unusual circumstances, conspiracies, and ironies to explore the dark adaptation of social and cultural values/ways of life within the American South. This style was known as Southern Gothic Literature, an extension of traditional gothic literature, with some American Southern twists. This style largely consumed much of the time through the mid 1900’s, and still continues with prevalence today. As of the late 1800’s, a new literary style had surfaced with increasing popularity. ![]()
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