The Fall of the House of Usher Group

Question:

jlvperez
jlvperez
Teacher
College - Freshman

Why does the House of Usher remind the Narrator of "old wood-work"?

It is in crumbling condition and yet remarkablly stable. It is many centuries old. It is remarkably delicate in the flourishes of its architecture. It is brown in color.

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Posted by jlvperez on Thursday October 2, 2008 at 6:43 PM and tagged with the fall of the house of usher, theme.

Answers:


  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    In the fifth paragraph of the story, the narrator looks at the House of Usher and writes that the house," reminded me of the specious totality of old wood-work which has rotted for long years in some neglected vault, with no disturbance from the breath of the external air." In other words, the house mirrors Roderick's appearance. He has been rotting for years in his neglected house and apparently not been outside in the fresh air for months.

    Sources:
    http://www.eapoe.org/works/tales/usherf.htm
    http://www.enotes.com/fall-house

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Thursday October 2, 2008 at 11:13 PM