Elements of a Southern Gothic

Voodoo and spirituality

An air of mystery, and/or the supernatural
Grotesque history, especially focusing on the South’s history of slavery
Social anxieties represented in racial tension
Deeply flawed, disturbing or eccentric characters
A sense of moral and physical decay, especially decaying buildings and
plantation homes
Darkened religious symbol
Exploring madness
Heat that can be stifling and/or liberating
Swamps or rivers
Sinister events relating to or stemming from poverty, alienation or
marginalization, crime or violence