There’s something about the Old South that has captured the minds of artists for many decades. From the gilded wealth of the Antebellum era, or the fallen grace of the Reconstruction era, the South is filled with scandals, prejudice, and elitism, with the scent of degradation lingering near. With authors such as Tennessee Williams, Harper Lee, and William Faulkner, these works have captured the very themes that describe what is known as Southern Gothic. While not as glamorous as its other horrific counterpart, the genre commands both psychology, suspense and, occasionally, the supernatural, that allows it to entice readers for years.

So what elements make up Southern Gothic? What makes it so unique from its literary brothers and sisters? For any writer contemplating writing in this genre, there are three things they must keep in mind.

The history

No doubt the South is already notorious for its ties to slavery. The Confederate flag, violence against minorities, ethnic or otherwise, and even the preachers threatening hellfire; these are the kinds of actions that show just how twisted the region could be. Even today, minorities are still struggling to find acceptance in their communities. I grew up in the South, so I’ve seen firsthand that while “Southern hospitality” is great and all, prejudice tends to linger, no matter what measures are taken against them. Not only that, but the region used to be rife with business and plantations, so not many people take too lightly to the drastic changes in their way of life. 

The people

For most books in this genre, there is still a distinct presence of entitlement. Whether it be from former plantation owners or slaves, you will see remnants of class distinctions. Even in real life, people would happily murder someone else for the sake of either wealth or reputation. Amongst friends, they would gladly throw up their polite smiles before talking about the weather, while hiding a body out in the lovely garden. Which, of course, leads to the third distinction below.

The society

Not everyone likes change. Even if it isn’t in some conservative church, the novel will show a culture filled with invitations and creepy grins. It might even get to the point where real Satanism could be invoked if pushed to the extremes. Clinging to what once was, they are more susceptible to their inner demons, and may endeavor to maintain the status quo, even if it leads to their downfall. It’s a topic that has prevailed in darker genres and, as such, has made its home in the Southern Gothic genre. 

Clinging to the past is an eerie dissonance that provides terror in all its subtlety. Southern Gothic creates an almost fairy-tale like setting that could be seen as unsettling, as it weaves together a fantasy in a reality of stolen dreams, all the while detailing the fall of the world around them. A happy ending is what everyone wants nowadays, but it is your novel after all. Just remember these three elements, and make of them what you will.