The Fall Of The House Of Usher By Edgar Allen Poe
Making its first appearance in American literature in the eighteenth century, Gothic writing became one of the most popular genres throughout the United States. Due to its unique characteristics, mystery, and revolutionary qualities, Gothic literature intrigued many individuals to put their own take on this new and exciting form of writing. In 1839, Edgar Allen Poe, became one of these individuals and wrote The Fall of the House of Usher using Gothic literature. Edgar Allen Poe’s story qualifies as Gothic literature because it includes elements of death and tragic illness, the supernatural, and the protagonist is both physically and mentally alone. The Fall of the House of Usher qualifies as a Gothic literature piece due to Edgar Allen Poe’s
use of death and tragic illness. Death and tragic illness appear regularly in this piece of literature when Roderick’s sister suffered and died from an unknown illness, almost all the Usher family line have passed away, and finally when Roderick dies at the end. To prove the effects of Roderick’s past and present events, Poe states, “I could not, even with effort, connect its Arabesque expression with any idea of simple humanity” (Poe #). Edgar Allen Poe explains that due to prior occurring events, significant repercussions have harmed Roderick, such as him going mentally insane. By stating that Roderick had an Arabesque expression with no hint of human qualities, demonstrated how the deaths and mental illnesses in his family was affecting him severely. By displaying and executing the Gothic Literature element of death and tragic illness seamlessly, Edgar Allen Poe was able to create a sorrowful mood that contributed to the overall effect of his story.
use of death and tragic illness. Death and tragic illness appear regularly in this piece of literature when Roderick’s sister suffered and died from an unknown illness, almost all the Usher family line have passed away, and finally when Roderick dies at the end. To prove the effects of Roderick’s past and present events, Poe states, “I could not, even with effort, connect its Arabesque expression with any idea of simple humanity” (Poe #). Edgar Allen Poe explains that due to prior occurring events, significant repercussions have harmed Roderick, such as him going mentally insane. By stating that Roderick had an Arabesque expression with no hint of human qualities, demonstrated how the deaths and mental illnesses in his family was affecting him severely. By displaying and executing the Gothic Literature element of death and tragic illness seamlessly, Edgar Allen Poe was able to create a sorrowful mood that contributed to the overall effect of his story.