Which of the following types of imagery was commonly used in southern gothic literature to establish themes of decaying southern culture?
a. fragrant
b. grotesque
c. ornate
d. poetic

The answer is B.

In the Southern Gothic Literature, the stories are more focus on grotesque themes.

The Southern Gothic Literature became popular in the 1940s-1960s.  It is partly inspired by Gothic literature, full of gloom and doom.  The stories have dark humor using complex characters that are distorted and comically ugly to expose the problems of society.

An example of the most famous works of Southern Gothic literature is The Sound and the Fury, a novel written by William Faulkner.

I've actually never heard of the guy. but, atleast he doesn’t rap/sing about drugs and girls, but he still have a very high view of himself, which could possibly cause annoyance

How long does your short story have to be? let me know.