Unlike some classic European novels, American literature encompasses many different, even unique, styles and genres. One of the most interesting of these is the Southern Gothic subgenre. As its name implies, Southern Gothic literature is reflective of life in the American South. Southern Gothic maintains some of the characteristics of Gothic writing, such as plot development of the supernatural or the ironic. However, Southern Gothic does not focus on creating tension and suspense like other Gothic genres. Instead, Southern Gothic story lines examine Southern society and its underlying, often implicit, social structure. Southern Gothic writers generally spurn the stereotype of the gentleman on the plantation and the glamorous Southern belle. Instead, the authors develop characters that are sinister or reclusive and not particularly pleasant on the surface. However, these characters usually have redeeming qualities that allow and encourage the reader to empathize with their situations or dilemmas. It is through these immoral and unhappy personalities that the Southern Gothic writer is able to present and explore moral issues of the American South, such as slavery and bigotry, without blatant accusations.
Select the sentence that weakens the author’s assertion that readers are encouraged to sympathize with Southern Gothic characters.