1. After explaining Poe's "single effect" theory, apply it to one or two of Poe's other stories by narrowing the focus and The Fall of the House of Usher concentrating on one or two plot details—for example, the story's opening and closing techniques; the symbols if any; the characters.

2. "The Cask of Amontillado" is one of Poe's perfect revenge stories and it begins, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge." Using either one or two of Poe's other stories, explain how the opening sentences establish tone, character, plot, and theme.

3. Compare or contrast 'The Fall of the House of Usher" with another Poe story by limiting the focus to one of the following suggestions: (a) the heroes; (b) the heroines; (c) the settings; (d) the...