Fall of the House of Usher Study Guide

Front

What does Roderick Usher believe about his house?

Back

He believes it is alive, suggesting a deep connection between the house and his mental state.

Front

What tone is most strongly captured in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'?

Back

Iciness; sinking, sickening.

Front

What happens to Madeline Usher in the story?

Back

She seems to die, is buried by her brother, wakes up, frees herself from the basement, but then dies while scaring Roderick.

Front

What is a compound-complex sentence?

Back

A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Front

Define connotation.

Back

The associations (whether negative or positive) words have with our prior ideas.

Front

What is the significance of the house in the story?

Back

The house symbolizes the mental state of Roderick Usher and the decay of the Usher family.

Front

How does the setting contribute to the mood of the story?

Back

The gloomy and decaying mansion creates a sense of dread and foreboding.

Front

What literary device is used in the phrase 'the house is alive'?

Back

Personification, as it attributes human qualities to the house.

Front

What role does isolation play in the story?

Back

Isolation contributes to Roderick's madness and the overall sense of despair.

Front

What is the relationship between Roderick and Madeline Usher?

Back

They are siblings, and their bond is marked by a deep, unsettling connection.