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Regarded as his “most famous piece of fiction,” “The Fall of the House of
Usher” inspires the usual horror found in most works by Poe. Every aspect
expected from a Poe piece is found within this story. There is the first person
narrative, the division of personality, and Gothic style; which all characterize
classic Poe. Although some critics feel that the tale is “difficult to read” and
“an overdone and vulgar fantasy;” most recognize it as the masterpiece it is.
From the gloomy beginning to the shocking conclusion, “The Fall of the House of
Usher” implements every attribute needed to create a model narration. As in most
Poe stories, the unnamed narrator experiences a horrific sight. This harrowing
incident is the realization by himself and Roderick Usher that they have in fact
buried Madeline Usher alive. The thought of this atrocity causes the narrator to
flee from the house indefinitely. He does not know at the time that the house
will subsequently cave in after his departure. Almost every tale written by Poe
is written in this fashion. Although most stories employ no real plot or
characterization, the final terrible experience is typical. This is due to
occurrences in Poe’s own life involving the illness of his child-bride Virginia.
Her untimely death stirred an interest in the supernatural that pervaded his
writing from that point on.
Therefore, all first person narrators in Poe’s work
encounter death in some mysterious and grave manner that helps Poe to cope with
his personal issues. There is a division of personality found in “The Fall of
the House of Usher,” which also presents itself in “William Wilson.” In the tale
being discussed, Roderick and Madeline Usher are twins whose health is slowly
diminishing. While Madeline seems to have accepted her fate, it looks as if
Roderick does not quite understand his recent transformation. It is almost as if
all the worry and frustration felt by both is channeled through Roderick. While
he is slowly losing his mind, Madeline becomes increasingly sedate. The narrator
mentions that the master of the house has indeed changed a great deal.
Apparently, some “curse” has overcome him and his sister causing their recent
decline in spirits, sanity, and health. Throughout the story, both are equally
affected by the other’s actions. This element is found in many Poe tales,
although usually it involves a dual nature within a single character.
Numerous
critics castigate Poe’s writing for its highly Gothic style. It is “too serious”
and conveys a certain difficulty in reading. They claim that this particular
style hinders the reader from being able to handle more than one story at a
time. Nevertheless, Poe’s writing does reflect upon his own personality. Edgar
Allen Poe was a staid and somber man, and these traits shine through his
writing. Also, it seems that perhaps he did not intend for more than one story
to be dealt with at a time. Poe wrote in a highly stylized way in order to
contribute to the overall mood of the piece of fiction. Without that edge, his
work would lose much of its eeriness. “The Fall of the House of Usher” certainly
incorporates such language as evidenced by phrases such as “singularly dreary
tract” and “whither shall I fly.” The elevated language and carefully chosen
adjectives weigh on the reader throughout the story. Finally, while some critics
may lambaste the work of Poe as “fanciful ramblings,” it stands to reason that
perhaps they are mistaken. Carefully thought out narration, sensible
characterization, and appropriate diction pervade not only “The Fall of the
House of Usher,” but every subsequent Poe work also. While the discussed piece
is the best example of his genius many other manuscripts fall into these same
patterns. Nonetheless, “The Fall of the House of Usher” is a classic work that
holds its own among the most recognized and celebrated short stories ever read
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