Supernatural

Definition

The supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that are beyond or defy the laws of nature and scientific explanation. This includes anything from ghosts and spirits to magical occurrences, creating a sense of mystery and fear. In literature, the supernatural often serves as a device to explore human fears, societal issues, and moral dilemmas, particularly in Southern Gothic narratives where the eerie and strange are blended with the grotesque and decayed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Southern Gothic literature, the supernatural often symbolizes the characters' internal struggles, reflecting their fears and desires.
2. Ghosts and haunting figures are common supernatural elements used to highlight themes of memory and guilt.
3. The supernatural can create an unsettling atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the story by challenging the characters' understanding of reality.
4. Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Flannery O'Connor use supernatural elements to critique societal norms and reveal deeper truths about humanity.
5. The blending of the supernatural with everyday life in Southern Gothic stories often emphasizes the tension between reality and illusion.

Review Questions

• How does the use of supernatural elements in Southern Gothic literature reflect characters' psychological states?
  • Supernatural elements in Southern Gothic literature often mirror the characters' psychological struggles. For example, ghosts or haunting occurrences can represent unresolved guilt or traumatic memories that plague the characters. This connection between the supernatural and mental states deepens readers' understanding of the characters' motivations and fears, illustrating how their internal conflicts manifest in eerie and unsettling ways.
• Discuss how authors in this genre utilize the supernatural to challenge societal norms.
  • Authors in Southern Gothic literature frequently use supernatural elements to critique societal norms by exposing underlying issues such as racism, classism, and morality. The supernatural often serves as a vehicle for confronting these uncomfortable truths, allowing characters to grapple with their beliefs in a distorted reality. By intertwining the bizarre with social commentary, writers like Edgar Allan Poe create narratives that provoke thought about human behavior and societal flaws.
• Evaluate the impact of supernatural occurrences on the emotional atmosphere of Southern Gothic stories.
  • Supernatural occurrences significantly enhance the emotional atmosphere of Southern Gothic stories by creating a sense of dread and unease. These elements disrupt the characters' perception of reality, pushing them into situations where they must confront their fears and anxieties. This atmospheric tension not only keeps readers engaged but also enriches themes of isolation, decay, and moral ambiguity, making it a crucial component in crafting compelling narratives within this genre.

Related terms

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, death, and decay, often set in dark and mysterious settings.

Psychological Horror: A subgenre that focuses on the unstable or delusional psychological states of its characters, emphasizing fear and anxiety.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and practices of a culture, often involving supernatural elements.