Southern Gothic Literature is a subgenre of Gothic fiction that focuses on the American South. It often features decayed settings, grotesque characters, and dark themes, exploring the complexities of Southern life, including issues of race, class, and morality. This genre typically includes elements of the supernatural or the bizarre, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Notable authors include Flannery O'Connor, William Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams, who use their narratives to critique societal norms and reveal the darker aspects of human nature within the Southern landscape.