4.4 The Fall Of The House Of Usher
4.4 “Fall of the House of Usher” Analysis - Understanding the Single Effect
Edgar Allan Poe was not only one of the earliest writers of the literary short story, but also the first to classify and define it. A short story, said Poe, should be written to create a single effect. Every character, detail, and incident, from the first sentence on, should contribute to this effect. Certainly the effect of "The Fall of the House of Usher" is one of terror, with mounting dread in every scene.
Following are settings and characters described in "The Fall of the House of Usher." Number your paper 1 – 5; beside each setting or character, list three specific details that demonstrate how it contributes to the overall effect – Remember, each of these
details should contribute to the single effect of mounting dread and ultimately, that of terror!!!
1. Setting: The room in which Usher spends his days A. It has a sorrowful impression. B. The shadowy fancies that seem like they crowded upon people. C. The first glimpse of the house has a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded anyone spirit.
2. Setting: Madeline's tomb A. She temporarily buried there because her twin did not want the doctors looking at her since she had a rare disease. B. She had rosy cheeks. C. She buried alive.
3. Setting: The house at the end of the story A. Crumbles down to the ground B. The wind blew the door open. C. Madeline stood there in a white robe, which was bloody from her struggle.
4. Character: Roderick Usher A. Fear of his twin sister. B. He is the master of the house. C. He is suffering from depression malaise characterized by strange behavior.
5. Character: Madeline Usher A. Return back to life. B. She suffered from a strange illness. C. She rises from her coffin
Edgar Allan Poe was not only one of the earliest writers of the literary short story, but also the first to classify and define it. A short story, said Poe, should be written to create a single effect. Every character, detail, and incident, from the first sentence on, should contribute to this effect. Certainly the effect of "The Fall of the House of Usher" is one of terror, with mounting dread in every scene.
Following are settings and characters described in "The Fall of the House of Usher." Number your paper 1 – 5; beside each setting or character, list three specific details that demonstrate how it contributes to the overall effect – Remember, each of these
details should contribute to the single effect of mounting dread and ultimately, that of terror!!!
1. Setting: The room in which Usher spends his days A. It has a sorrowful impression. B. The shadowy fancies that seem like they crowded upon people. C. The first glimpse of the house has a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded anyone spirit.
2. Setting: Madeline's tomb A. She temporarily buried there because her twin did not want the doctors looking at her since she had a rare disease. B. She had rosy cheeks. C. She buried alive.
3. Setting: The house at the end of the story A. Crumbles down to the ground B. The wind blew the door open. C. Madeline stood there in a white robe, which was bloody from her struggle.
4. Character: Roderick Usher A. Fear of his twin sister. B. He is the master of the house. C. He is suffering from depression malaise characterized by strange behavior.
5. Character: Madeline Usher A. Return back to life. B. She suffered from a strange illness. C. She rises from her coffin