Final answer:
The characters in the excerpt are an example of Southern Gothic literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characters in the excerpt are an example of Southern Gothic literature. Southern Gothic literature is a subgenre of Gothic fiction set in the American South, featuring elements of the grotesque, macabre, and supernatural. It explores social issues, decayed landscapes, and the dark side of Southern culture. Works by authors like William Faulkner and Flannery O'Connor exemplify this haunting and atmospheric literary style.
Flannery O'Connor's fiction is known for its Southern gothic settings and dark humor. In this excerpt, O'Connor creates a desolate and mysterious atmosphere, with characters such as the old woman and Mr. Shiftlet who embody the eccentric and often grotesque nature of Southern Gothic literature.