1. A sub-genre of the Gothic genre
Southern Gothic Genre
A sub-genre of the Gothic genre

2. Characteristics Always set in the South Typical elements of the Gothic
Eccentric, deeply flawed characters
Grotesque activities
Irony
Social commentary on American southern culture
Magical realism context

3. Magic Realism Combines realistic events with surreal elements
Attempts to portray world views that exist currently or have existed in the past (we experience it through eyes of others)
Characters believe in/have real experiences with the supernatural

4. Magic Realism: Three Effects
Time is not linear; the distance past is always present.
Causality is subjective; two things happening simultaneously but objectively unrelated.
The magical and ordinary are one in the same.