Question

highlight words and phrases that connect the characters to the southern gothic genre.
although the old woman lived in this desolate spot with only her daughter and she had never seen mr. shiftlet before, she could tell, even from a distance, that he was a tramp and no one to be afraid of. his left coat sleeve was folded up to show there was only half an arm in it and his gaunt figure listed slightly.
—\the life you save may be your own,\
flannery o’connor

Explanation:

To identify words/phrases connecting characters to Southern gothic, we analyze elements typical of the genre (isolated settings, flawed characters, grotesque details). "Desolate spot" (isolated, bleak setting), "tramp" (flawed/marginalized character), "only half an arm" (grotesque physical detail), "gaunt figure" (grotesque, emaciated appearance) fit. These reflect Southern gothic's focus on decay, isolation, and grotesque characters.

Answer:

• "desolate spot" (isolated, bleak setting typical of Southern gothic)
• "tramp" (marginalized, flawed character)
• "only half an arm" (grotesque physical detail)
• "gaunt figure" (grotesque, emaciated appearance)