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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 does the narrator describe Usher as seeming to pour forth as if it were "an inherent positive quality"?

2. For what does Usher think his sister will upbraid him?

3. What does the narrator say is "cadaverously wan"?

4. What does Usher say about the similarity between he and his sister's appearance?

5. To what does the narrator compare his depression of the soul?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the narrator respond to Roderick's increasing instability?

3. What does the narrator observe about Roderick after Madeline's death?

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

5. How does Roderick explain his invitation to a visit by the narrator?

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

7. How does the narrator react to Roderick's mood after Madeline's death?

8. What does the narrator say about Madeline's appearance when he looked upon her before they sealed the coffin lid?

9. How does the narrator attempt to calm Roderick?

10. For what purpose and when was the vault used in previous times?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Fall of the House of Usher. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Fall of the House of Usher. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

The Fall of the House of Usher belongs to the gothic horror genre.

Define the literary term "genre" and name three other genres in addition to the gothic horror genre. What are the advantages and disadvantages of assigning a genre to a story? What do you think is the difference between a gothic horror and a historical story or mystery?

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This section contains 734 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample