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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What word does the narrator use to describe the tapestries?

2. What about Lady Madeline had baffled her physicians?

3. What does the narrator say overtakes him as he watches Lady Madeline leave?

4. What does Usher believe about plants?

5. What does the narrator say about Usher's countenance after Madeline dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator describe Roderick's appearance?

2. What does the narrator notice Roderick doing as they hear a clanging sound at the same time the book mentions the same such sound?

3. What does the narrator say about African Satyrs and Aepipans?

4. What is Roderick's response to Madeline falling upon him?

5. What is the significance of the small volume titled “Directorium Inquisitorium,” by the Dominican Eymeric de Gironne?

6. How does Roderick explain his desire to delay the burial of Madeline?

7. What does the narrator do when he realizes that both twins are dead?

8. What type of struggle is going on within Roderick?

9. Where does Roderick's genius as a painter lie?

10. What announcement does Roderick abruptly make one evening?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Poe does an exemplary job of portraying gloom, fear and horror.

Discuss some of the techniques Poe uses to elicit the emotions he wants from the reader. Use examples from The Fall of the House of Usher to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all stories have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Fall of the House of Usher, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss what you think are the characteristics of a successful story and why The Fall of the House of Usher is or is not a successful story based on your criteria. Do you think the criteria for a successful story should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 634 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample