Ideas for Group Discussions
"The Fall of the House of Usher" is among Poe's most renowned short stories. Analyzing this tale offers insights into Poe's gothic style and his literary principles. As with all of Poe's short stories, "The Fall of the House of Usher" focuses on a "single effect" — in this case, the decline and deterioration of the Usher family and their home. For instance, at the story's beginning, the narrator remarks on the "insufferable gloom" that envelops him as he observes the "few rank sedges," the "white trunks of decayed trees," the still surface of the "black and lurid tarn," and the house's empty "eye-like windows." Once inside, the details become more vivid: the "antique and tattered" furniture and other items that "failed to give any vitality to the scene."
Additionally, the narrator highlights Roderick Usher's erratic physical and mental states and Madeline Usher's "settled apathy" and gradual decline. These details not only build the mystery that drives the narrative but also foreshadow the climax when Roderick, Madeline, and the decrepit house all collapse into the dark waters of the tarn. Indeed, with its cohesive character development, setting, tone, and plot, "The Fall of the House of Usher" exemplifies Poe's literary prowess and techniques.
Since discussion groups will likely explore multiple Poe stories, some of the following topics encourage comparisons among his works.
1. Poe often begins his stories with quotations that relate to the theme and plot. Explain how de Beranger's quotation applies to "The Fall of the House of Usher."
2. Poe's literary techniques include dramatic openings for his short stories. By examining his word choices and descriptions, discuss Poe's opening technique for "The Fall of the House of Usher."
3. According to Poe's literary theory, a story should focus on a "single effect." What is the single effect in this story, and how is it established in the opening? How is this effect evident in the setting, characters, and symbols?
4. Prominent symbols in the story are the house and "The Haunted Palace." What do these symbols represent?
5. How do the physical descriptions of the house's exterior relate to Roderick, Madeline, and the Usher family?
6. At the narrative's start, Roderick's eyes are described as bright and luminous, but by the end, "the luminousness had utterly gone out." What might explain this change? Does a similar transformation occur in Roderick's overall appearance? If so, explain.
7. Though not as prominent as in "The Masque of Red Death," "The Fall of the House of Usher" features some color symbolism. What colors are associated with the Usher house, Roderick, and Madeline? What colors appear in "The Haunted Palace," and what might they signify?
8. One critic suggests that Madeline is a vampire. Using specific details from the story, either support or refute this claim.
9. Why does Roderick call the narrator a madman at the story's conclusion with the exclamation: "Madman! I tell you that she now stands without the door!"?
10. Evaluate the effectiveness of the storm as a gothic literary device at the end of the story. Can you identify other novels, stories, or films that employ a similar technique?
11. What initial details hint at the story's ending?
12. Apply Poe's "single effect" theory to one or two of his other stories by focusing on specific plot elements — for instance, the techniques used in the story's beginning and end, any symbols present, or the characters involved.
13. "The Cask of Amontillado" is one of Poe's quintessential revenge tales, starting with, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge." Use one or two of Poe's other stories to illustrate how the opening sentences set the tone, establish characters, and introduce the plot and theme.
14. In "William Wilson" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," Poe employs the doppelgänger effect. What is the doppelgänger effect, and how is it manifested in one or both of these stories?
15. What role does "The Haunted Palace" play in "The Fall of the House of Usher"?
16. Similar to "The Haunted Palace," Poe uses "The Conqueror Worm" in "Ligeia." Do these elements produce comparable effects?
17. Select a favorite horror film and analyze its use of gothic techniques. If these techniques are similar to those used by Poe, highlight the similarities by referencing specific stories; if they differ or innovate upon Poe's techniques, explain by also referring to specific stories.
Edward C. Reilly
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