Southern Gothic Literature: Quick Notes

Grotesque (conveys grief and pain to audience)

Off Kilter characters (disabled, corrupt)

Turns gothic characters/qualities into Southerners

Has dark, unusual plots exploring social issues

Imprisonment, Violence, and Religious themes

Captures feel of small southern town/life

“A Good Man is Hard to Find” Warm Up:

Answer and Discuss the Following:1. Explain how The Misfit and the grandmother are foils

for one another.2. Identify and explain 3 symbols in the story.3. Explain how this story fits the definition of southern

gothic literature.4. Explain what the last few lines reveal about the Misfit as

a character (indirect characterization).5. Describe the tone of the story using 3 specific examples

from the text to support your reasoning.6. Explain the irony in the story, as well as the story’s title.

Annolight Article: Jigsaw ActivityDirections: Annolight your section of the article and then complete the following:

1. 1 connection to your section and the short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find”

2. 2 Key terms students need to know that they might be unfamiliar with

3. 3 major points in your section