Consider other works of Southern Gothic literature. Southern Gothic literature takes place in the American South and usually features elements of magical realism and the grotesque. Themes include Christianity and how the sin of slavery has tainted society. Other authors in the Southern Gothic genre include Wililam Faulkner, Carson McCullers, Harper Lee, Truman Capote, and Tennessee Williams. More recent authors include Dorothy Allison, some of Cormac McCarthy's work, and Anne Rice.
Also consider other works by Catholic writers of O'Connor's era. Catholic writers often work within an allegorical framework, and use symbols from the Church in their writings. Other writers of...