What are the characteristics of southern family novels?

In Faulkner's works, a corrupt southern family typically shows a breakdown of traditional values. They might be obsessed with wealth and power at the expense of integrity. Also, there could be deep-seated secrets and hidden vices within the family structure.

One characteristic is the focus on family and community. In southern novels, families are often large and extended, and their relationships are central to the story. There is also a prevalence of a certain type of southern dialect which adds to the authenticity. Moreover, themes of race relations are commonly explored, as the South has a long and complex history in this regard. Southern novels can be both a celebration and a critique of the southern way of life.

Many southern roman novels deal with issues related to race. Given the complex history of the South in terms of slavery and segregation, these novels may explore interracial relationships, racial prejudice, and the struggle for equality. This can be seen in works like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' where a white lawyer defends a black man in a racially charged environment.

Southern crime novels typically feature a rich tapestry of characters. You'll find the genteel southern belle, the rough - around - the - edges detective, and the seedy underworld figures. The stories also tend to have a slow - burning pace, building tension gradually. Take 'The Neon Rain' for instance. It unfolds the mystery bit by bit as it delves into the seedy underbelly of New Orleans. And they often have a moral undertone, exploring concepts like redemption and justice in the context of southern values.

Southern romance novels often feature strong family values. The family unit, whether it's a big plantation family or a small-town family, plays a central role. There's usually a sense of community as well, with small southern towns being a common setting. The romances tend to be slow - burning, with a build - up of emotions over time. The characters might have southern accents and use southern expressions that add charm to the story.

One characteristic is the strong sense of place. Southern fiction novels often vividly describe the southern landscape, from the plantations to the small towns. For example, in 'Gone with the Wind', the descriptions of Tara are very detailed.

One characteristic is the use of the southern setting. The old plantations, swamps, and small towns in the South create a spooky atmosphere. For example, the thick forests and the old, decaying mansions can be very menacing. Another is the presence of complex social issues like racism and class differences which often add to the horror. They are not just about the supernatural but also about the human - made horrors.

They usually deal with themes such as race, class, and family. Southern historical novels often show the complex relationships between different races, especially the black - white relations during the time of slavery and after. They also explore how family traditions and values are passed down or broken in the southern society.

Southern detective novels typically have a slow - burning plot. They don't rush into the mystery but build it up gradually, much like the slow - paced southern lifestyle. The stories may incorporate elements of southern Gothic, such as decaying mansions, strange family curses, or characters with a haunted past. The social hierarchy in the south also plays a role. There might be a contrast between the upper - class families trying to maintain their reputation and the lower - class folks who hold the key to some of the secrets. The moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters are also a common feature as they are often caught between the traditional southern values and the modern world.

Historical southern romance novels typically have a rich historical context. They might be set during the Civil War or the antebellum period. The stories often involve the challenges faced by the characters due to the social and political situation of the time. For instance, the conflict between the North and the South can add drama to the love stories. The language used in these novels is often flowery and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the southern landscapes, from the swamps to the elegant ballrooms.