FALL
Upon her death, where is Madeline put?
What is the vault? Under the house
How does Poe use setting to create mood in the story?
Poe uses the dark, decaying mansion and gloomy landscape to create a sense of fear and unease. The house reflects death and deterioration, which builds a suspenseful and eerie mood.
What does the narrator realize as he spends time with Rodrick Usher?
his mind is getting worse and worse?
Why does the narrator visit The House of Usher?
Rodrick Usher sends him a letter?
How does the narrator know Roderick Usher?
They're childhood friends?
How Does Rodrick Usher die?
What is he was shocked to death?
Fear
Guilt
Madeline falls on him
How does Roderick change throughout the story?
He becomes more anxious, fearful, and mentally unstable as the story progresses.
From what condition is Rodrick suffering?
What is mental disorder?
What does the narrator learn about Roderick and Madeline?
What is they are twins?
How does Madeline’s condition contribute to the plot?
Madeline’s illness and supposed death create tension and mystery. Her return at the end drives the climax and reinforces the theme of fear and the unknown.
How does Usher think he will die?
What is of fear?
Describe the weather conditions in the middle of the night as Usher knocks on the narrators door
What is Low clouds
Stormy but no lightning or thunder
Ominous air
What does Usher say is the cause of the noise that is getting louder and louder?
What is Madeline breaking out of the vault?
Who is the narrator visiting in the story?
Rodrick Usher
What connection exists between Roderick Usher and the house?
Roderick and the house are closely linked—both are physically and mentally decaying.
What is Usher sensitive to?
Touch, hearing, taste, smell (all senses)
What happens to the house as the narrator flees?
What is the house collapses?
Give 3 examples of Roderick’s physical appearance.
Pale, silk hair, big luminous eyes
What type of music is Usher restricted to?
What is stringed instruments? Or guitar
What does the narrator see as he approaches the mansion?
Cracked walls. A gloomy, decaying mansion that looks ancient and worn down
What is slowing happening to the house as Rodrick continues to overthink?
It is slowing falling apart, decaying.
What role does fear play in Roderick Usher’s actions?
Fear controls Roderick’s thoughts and actions. He believes the house is alive and affecting him, which increases his anxiety and leads to his mental breakdown.
How does Poe develop the theme of isolation throughout the story?
Poe shows isolation through the remote setting, Roderick’s separation from society, and the emotional distance between characters.
List 5 characteristics of the gothic genre IN 15 SECONDS.
DARK, GLOOMY, CLOUDY, EEIRE, FEAR, SUSPENSE, DEATH, DECAY, MYSTERY, ISOLATION
How does the ending reinforce the central themes of the story?
The collapse of the house and the deaths of Roderick and Madeline reinforce themes of decay, family destruction, and the consequences of isolation and fear.