The Fall of the House of Usher Study Guide 1

Front

What happens to Madeline Usher in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'?

Back

She appears to die, is mistakenly entombed, but then revives and forces her way to freedom before dying.

Front

What is the overall effect captured in the excerpt: 'There was an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart—an unredeemed dreariness of thought which no goading of the imagination could torture into aught of the sublime.'?

Back

It conveys a sense of deep despair and emotional turmoil.

Front

What is Roderick Usher's biggest fear?

Back

Being frightened to death.

Front

What disturbing idea does Roderick Usher have about his house?

Back

He believes that his house has awareness, like a living thing.

Front

What is Roderick's greatest concern in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'?

Back

Madeline's worsening condition.

Front

Define the term 'Usher' in the context of the story.

Back

Usher refers to Roderick Usher, a character who is deeply affected by his family's legacy and the decay of their ancestral home.

Front

What literary genre does 'The Fall of the House of Usher' belong to?

Back

Gothic fiction.

Front

What is the significance of the house in the story?

Back

The house symbolizes the Usher family's decline and the connection between the characters and their ancestral legacy.

Front

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

Back

The dark, decaying house and the surrounding landscape create a sense of dread and foreboding.

Front

What role does the narrator play in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'?

Back

The narrator serves as a witness to Roderick Usher's decline and the events that unfold in the house.