Undead Souths: The Gothic and Beyond in Southern Literature and Culture

The book "Undead Souths" explores the diverse representations of the undead in Southern culture, including physical manifestations, symbolic interpretations, psychological effects, and cultural practices. It spans various media and historical periods, establishes cultural connections between the South and other regions, and employs diverse theoretical and critical approaches to capture the enduring connection between Southern culture and the persistence of the dead.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

The depiction of the undead in the American South extends far beyond the modern iterations seen in popular TV shows like True Blood and The Walking Dead. As the book Undead Souths reveals, there is a rich tapestry of physical manifestations of southern undeadness, ranging from vampires to zombies. However, the realm of the undead extends beyond mere physical existence, encompassing symbolic, psychological, and cultural aspects.

One notable manifestation of undeadness in the South is the social death experienced by enslaved people. During the antebellum period, enslaved individuals were stripped of their identity, rights, and humanity, often subjected to brutal treatment and forced labor. The trauma of this experience left a lasting impact on their descendants, who continue to grapple with the legacy of slavery and its impact on their communities.

Another symbolic form of undeadness in the South is the Cult of the Lost Cause. This movement arose in the aftermath of the Civil War, seeking to resurrect the fallen heroes of the Confederacy as secular saints. By romanticizing and sanitizing the history of the Confederacy, the Cult of the Lost Cause perpetuated a false narrative of white supremacy and nostalgia. This cult continues to have a presence in the South, particularly among older generations, and plays a significant role in shaping public perception and understanding of the Civil War.

Mourning rites, which have deep cultural roots in the American South, are also revived by Native Americans forcibly removed from the American Southeast. These rites serve as a way to honor and connect with their ancestors, who were often subjected to violence and displacement. The revival of these rites is a testament to the resilience and strength of Native American communities in the face of historical trauma.

Undead Souths explores a diverse range of media and historical periods to capture the manifold forms of southern haunting and horror. The book establishes cultural crossings between the South and other regions within and outside of the United States, highlighting the interconnectedness of different cultures and the impact of historical events on the region.

Diverse theoretical and critical approaches are employed in the book to analyze the undead in the South. These approaches include cultural studies, history, folklore, and literary analysis, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between southern culture and the refusal of the dead to stay dead.

The result of Undead Souths is an engaging and inclusive collection that chronicles the enduring connection between southern culture and the refusal of the dead to stay dead. The book offers a fresh perspective on the region's history and culture, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the complex and multifaceted nature of southern haunting and horror.

In conclusion, the depiction of the undead in the American South is a rich and complex phenomenon that extends beyond the realm of popular fiction. Through the exploration of physical manifestations, symbolic aspects, psychological influences, and cultural crossings, Undead Souths provides a comprehensive account of the enduring connection between southern culture and the refusal of the dead to stay dead. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of cultural studies and offers a deeper understanding of the complexities of southern history and identity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807178584