Final answer:
Flannery O'Connor's writing is considered an example of Southern Gothic literature, which often incorporates grotesque situations, flawed characters and an overall atmosphere of gloom. Her works frequently explore Christian themes within these dark narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Flannery O'Connor's writing is considered a classic example of Southern Gothic literature, a genre that combines elements of traditional Gothic fiction with characteristics particular to the American South. These characteristics include deeply flawed, disturbing or eccentric characters, grotesque situations, and an overall atmosphere of gloom and decay. O'Connor's works are noted for their exploration of Christian themes through these dark, often violent narratives. Her writing is also often interpreted as a critique of the moral and social conditions of her time.
The stories often present moral and ethical dilemmas as central to the plot, reflecting O'Connor's own strong Catholic faith. Her use of the grotesque and the macabre reflects the belief in a world where evil is real, and where one must grapple with questions of faith and morality amidst the darkness.
Learn more about Southern Gothic Literature