The Fall of The House of Usher

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER.
1.why does the narrator go to visit usher?

A. The narrator in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
goes to visit Roderick Usher, his childhood friend, due to a sense of
obligation and concern for Usher's well-being. The narrator receives a
letter from Roderick, expressing his distress and requesting his
presence. Usher's letter indicates that he is suffering from a variety of
afflictions, both physical and mental, and he feels a deep sense of
isolation and despair.
Feeling a sense of duty and friendship towards Usher, the narrator travels
to the Usher mansion to provide support and companionship during his
friend's troubled time. Additionally, the narrator may also be curious
about the mysterious circumstances surrounding Usher's letter and the
strange atmosphere of the Usher estate. Thus, the narrator's visit to
Usher is driven by a combination of empathy, obligation, and curiosity.
2. Early in the story, what flaws in the front of the

house does the narrator observe in the fall of the
house of usher?
A. In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher," the narrator observes several
flaws in the front of the Usher mansion as he approaches it. These flaws contribute
to the eerie atmosphere surrounding the house and foreshadow the decay and
disintegration that pervade the story. Specifically, the narrator notes:
a) "Minute fungi overspread the whole exterior," indicating a pervasive growth of

mold or fungus covering the outer walls of the mansion. This detail suggests decay
and neglect.
b) The "crumbling conditions of the individual stones" and the "vacant and eye-like
windows" convey a sense of disrepair and desolation. The crumbling stones suggest
the gradual deterioration of the house, while the vacant windows contribute to its
eerie appearance.
c) The "minute fungi" are described as "hanging in a fine tangled web-work from the
eaves." This image evokes a sense of entanglement and decay, reinforcing the
decrepit state of the mansion.
Overall, these flaws in the front of the house serve to establish the ominous mood of the
story and hint at the deeper themes of decay, isolation, and madness that unfold as the
narrative progresses.
3. What forms of artistic expression does usher share

with the narrator ?
In "The Fall of the House of Usher," Roderick Usher and the narrator share a
common interest in artistic expression, particularly in the realm of literature and
music. Both characters demonstrate a deep appreciation for the arts, which
serves as a bond between them. Specifically:
a) Literature: Both Usher and the narrator share a passion for literature.
Usher is described as a talented poet, and he shares some of his literary
works with the narrator during their time together. Additionally, the
narrator himself is depicted as a well-read and cultured individual, as
evidenced by his references to various literary works throughout the
story. Their mutual love for literature allows them to connect on an
intellectual level and fosters a sense of camaraderie between them.
b) Music: Usher is also a skilled musician, and he plays the guitar and sings
for the narrator during their visit. The narrator describes Usher's musical
talents as possessing a "peculiar soothing power," indicating the
emotional impact of his performances. The narrator, too, appreciates
music and is moved by Usher's musical abilities. Their shared admiration
for music further strengthens their bond and enhances their interactions.
Overall, the shared interest in literature and music serves as a means of
connection and understanding between Usher and the narrator, enriching their
relationship and contributing to the depth of the story.
4. What does the narrator learn about the relationship

between usher and Madeline after her death?
a) After Madeline's death in "The Fall of the House of Usher," the narrator
learns about the peculiar and unsettling relationship between Roderick
Usher and his sister Madeline. Initially, the narrator perceives their
relationship as one of typical sibling closeness, as he observes them
spending time together and engaging in activities such as reading and
music. However, as the story progresses, the narrator begins to uncover
darker truths about their bond.
b. After Madeline's supposed death and entombment, the narrator discovers
that she was actually buried alive, and she managed to escape from her
tomb. This revelation adds a sinister dimension to the relationship
between Roderick and Madeline. It becomes clear that there are hidden
secrets and psychological complexities underlying their connection.
c. Furthermore, the narrator learns that Roderick's fear and anxiety
regarding Madeline's condition are not solely due to fraternal concern but
are intertwined with his own psychological turmoil. Roderick's extreme
sensitivity to sound and his deteriorating mental state suggest a deeper,
more profound connection between him and Madeline, one that goes
beyond conventional sibling affection.
e. Ultimately, the narrator realizes that the bond between Roderick and
Madeline is marked by an eerie and disturbing intimacy, characterized by
mutual dependence, psychological instability, and a shared fate that
culminates in the tragic collapse of the House of Usher. This revelation
adds a layer of psychological complexity to the story and deepens the
sense of dread and unease that pervades the narrative.
5. What confession does usher make to the narrator

during the final storm?
a. During the final storm in "The Fall of the House of Usher,"

Roderick Usher confesses a deeply disturbing truth to the
narrator. As the storm rages outside and tensions mount
within the house, Usher reveals that he and Madeline are
actually twins and that their connection goes far beyond what
the narrator initially understood.
b. Usher confesses that he buried Madeline alive, believing her
to be dead, but she managed to escape from her tomb and
returned to the mansion. This revelation shocks the narrator
and adds a macabre dimension to the already eerie
atmosphere surrounding the Usher family.
c. Moreover, Usher's confession underscores the extent of his
psychological torment and the depths of his instability. It
suggests a profound sense of guilt and responsibility for
Madeline's suffering, as well as a warped perception of their
relationship.
d. This confession contributes to the climax of the story,
heightening the sense of dread and horror as the narrator
realizes the full extent of the darkness that permeates the
House of Usher. It also serves as a catalyst for the final,
catastrophic events that ultimately lead to the downfall of the
mansion and its inhabitants.

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THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER.

1.why does the narrator go to visit usher?

2. Early in the story, what flaws in the front of the

a) "Minute fungi overspread the whole exterior," indicating a pervasive growth of

3. What forms of artistic expression does usher share

4. What does the narrator learn about the relationship

5. What confession does usher make to the narrator

a. During the final storm in "The Fall of the House of Usher,"

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