The Fall of the House of Usher | Topics for Discussion & Projects

The Fall of the House of Usher Topics for Discussion

1. Poe precedes his stories with prefatory quotations that relate to 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 noting word choices and descriptions, comment on Poe's opening technique for "The Fall of the House of Usher."

3. In his literary theory, Poe claims that a story must concentrate on a "single effect." What is the single effect in this story and how is it accomplished in the story's opening? How is the single effect evident in setting, characters, and symbols?

4. Obvious symbols within the story are the house and "The Haunted Palace." Specifically, what do these symbolize?

5. What physical descriptions of the house's exterior relate to Roderick? To Madeline? To the Usher family?

6. In the...
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