... stress and madness. Even the first image of the story is one of an upside down reflection of the gloomy setting of the Usher mansion. This gloom is further carried out in Poe's descriptions of Roderick Usher, who he describes as having a "cadaverousness of complexion- and a "ghastly pallor of the skin-. Poe doesn't stop there, however; he continues on to discuss the mental state of Usher, which reaches the point of insanity with the death of his sister, Madeline Usher ... One of the central themes underlying the short story, The Fall of the House of Usher, is that of the nature of the h...

• Word Count: 1744
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... insisted on the importance not of the artist, but of the created work of art. He stands as one of the few great innovators in American literature who took his place in international culture as an original creative force. ( NHS 4) The Fall of the House of Usheris generally considered Poe's best tale because of its complexity and carefully designed effect. The sophistication of Poe's psychology is the major factor in the story's success as a nightmare piece. The setting of the tale ... though a particularly dreary part of the country. As evening approaches, the house comes into view and t...

• Word Count: 2235
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School