Southern Gothic is a sub-genre of Gothic literature that is unique to American literature. It relies on supernatural or unusual events to explore social issues within the American South. A defining feature is the "grotesque" character whose negative qualities highlight problems in Southern culture. Specific features include freakish outsider characters, a sense of imprisonment both literal and figurative, violence stemming from social tensions, and a strong sense of place depicting run-down Southern towns.

1. Southern Gothic in American Literature Laurie Miller

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