Analysis of Edgar Allan Poes Fall of the House of Usher

Theme/Topic:

The destructive nature of interdependence. Roderick and Madeline are both dependent on one
another. As was typical of women in the 19th century and in 19th century literature, Madeline
is dependent on her brother for support. Her brother is also dependent on her, as she is
his tenderly beloved sister, his sole companion for long years, his last and only relative on
earth. Madeline is undone when her brother entombs her alive, and Roderick goes mad from
the loss and unnecessary entombment of his sister. This is what destroys the "House of Usher."

Voice:

First person, told from the perspective of Roderick's old childhood friend. Of notable mention is
the fact that, even as his friend, the narrator knows very little about Roderick.

Form/Structure:

Fiction, short story. A sense of decay and destruction accumulates gradually over the narrative.

Message/Purpose:

To address the destructive power of unhealthy relationships. Possible incestuous context.

Roderick once mentions "I must perish in this deplorable folly" without specifying what
the "folly" is, possibly suggesting a relationship between him and his sister that is unusually and
unnaturally close.

Tone/Atmosphere:

A classic example of gothic fiction. The tone is dark, gloomy, and oppressive, with an
atmosphere of decay all around.

Sensory Details:

Barren landscape, destructive illness, poor weather. Images that relate to claustrophobia, such
as the mansion and Madelines tomb/crypt. Creates a sense of being trapped in a state of affairs
that cannot be broken out of.

Diction:

Words and phrases dealing with doubling: twins, the reflection of the house in the tarn, and so
on.