Southern Gothic Writing Style Essay

Southern Gothic Southern Gothic writing style is about ironic, macabre events that focus on the Old South. William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor are known for writing Southern Gothic short stories. Southern Gothic stories are about “lurid, macabre subject matters,” that, “social issues and illuminate the cultural climate of the American south.” (Thomas) Two excellent examples of Southern Gothic short stories are William Faulkner’s, “A Rose for Emily” and Flannery O’ Connor’s, “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” Falkner’s short story illustrates a young southern woman, Emily, who lives with her lover’s corpse in their bedroom. O’Connor’s short story describes a southern family’s emotions when a convicted murder is on the loose, and is after them. Faulkner and O’Connor challenge different aspects Old South Status culture in their writing. O’Connor’s short story, “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, illustrates many gruesome and morbid events. In this story, a family is trying to escape from the serial killer, The Misfits. While taking a short side trip, the family’s car flips into a ditch, on the side of the road, and are stranded. To their relief, a …show more content…
This story is based in a small, southern town, and follows the life of Emily Grierson. She is last remaining member of her southern upper class family. After her father’s death, Emily becomes estranged from most of the town except, Homer Barron. Despite Homer “not a marrying man”, the two become fond of each other and move in together. One night, Emily’s cousins come to visit her, and Homer asks her “to get rid of her cousins.” (Faulkner) Three days later, one of the works sees Homer come home, but no one ever sees him leave again. Years later, Emily eventually dies alone, and the curious town visits her home. The townspeople are shocked to find the decomposed body of Homer Barron in Emily and his bed. Faulkner ends the story