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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. From what does the narrator say his feelings about Usher must arise?

2. What does the narrator doubt when he studies over Usher's countenance?

3. How does the hero finally get into the dwelling?

4. What does the narrator speculate has contributed to the appearance of the premises?

5. How does Usher greet the narrator?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the narrator unable to shake off his feelings of uneasiness the night of the storm?

2. What does Roderick believe he has done to Madeline?

3. How does the narrator describe the vault where Madeline's coffin is temporarily laid to rest?

4. What is one picture Roderick painted that the narrator describes and says it is not as abstract as the others?

5. What does the narrator say about his friendship with Roderick Usher?

6. How does the narrator describe the door into the vault where they lay Madeline's coffin?

7. According to Roderick, what impact does the sentience of the plants around the House of Usher have on the Usher family?

8. What seems to be happening in "real" time as the narrator reads?

9. What does the narrator say about Roderick's usual habits after Madeline dies?

10. How does the narrator react upon first seeing Roderick?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Fall of the House of Usher. Are these universal symbols that would have the same meaning in any culture? What other symbols could portray the same idea? Why do you think Poe chooses the symbols he does? Consider symbols such as the physical house itself, the mausoleum, the vegetation and even the décor of the house.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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