How Does Flannery O Connor Reflect The Characteristics Of Southern Gothic Writing

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Mildred Marcelletti
Research paper
June 4, 2015

Flannery O’ Connor as a Master of Southern Gothic Writing

Many writing genres have reflected the unique characteristics of American literature throughout the years. Southern Gothic writing is one of said genres, which has stood out and made numerous readers become avid followers and enthusiasts in this writing style. Unlike Roman Gothic literature that focuses on the supernatural, Southern Gothic focuses on the grotesque and sublime found in reality. It concentrates on examining the extremes of the Christian South. By utilizing strange events and eccentric characters, this genre depicts a moody and unsettling depiction of life in the South.

Southern Gothic writing at first glance appears …show more content…

A Georgia native, much of her short fiction writing is set in the South. Famous for her emphasis on violent and grotesque characters as well as disturbing situations she is one of the most influential Southern Gothic writers. “Not only is O’ Connor known for being a pioneer of the Southern Gothic style; she was also a pioneer in developing the short story form in general.” (Shmoop Editorial Team) She has a certain, uncanny talent that makes readers unable to look away from the tragic and often twisted stories she …show more content…

The family does not realize this until later on. Once The Misfit realizes the family discovered who he is, he kills each of them one by one. He leaves the grandmother for last, and although she is begging for mercy and tells him that God will forgive him in hopes of being saved, it makes no difference. The Misfit shoots her and she lays on the ground dead. Here we can see the perfect example of tragedy and horror in Southern Gothic writing, as well as how as writer O’Connor attempts to show the dark and troublesome side of each character. “As a narrator, she rarely seems sympathetic to the characters of her story. On the contrary, she seems more interested in bringing out their worst, exposing their superficialities.” (Shmoop Editorial

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