When was the southern gothic literary period?

There isn't a definitive start and end date for the Southern Gothic literary period. Instead, it's often described as a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century and continues to influence writers today.

Here's a breakdown:

* Emergence: The roots of Southern Gothic can be traced back to the late 19th century, with authors like Charles W. Chesnutt and Kate Chopin exploring themes of race, class, and societal constraints in the American South.

* Flourishing: The movement truly blossomed in the 1930s and 1940s, with writers like William Faulkner, Flannery O'Connor, Carson McCullers, and Tennessee Williams pushing the boundaries of Southern literature with their dark, grotesque, and often unsettling stories.

* Continuing Legacy: Southern Gothic remains a vibrant and influential genre today, with contemporary authors like Jesmyn Ward, Cormac McCarthy, and Alice Walker carrying the torch.

Therefore, while there's no single "golden age" for Southern Gothic, it's considered a continuously evolving genre with roots in the early 20th century and a lasting impact on American literature.