Comprehensive Semester Exam

______________ wrote the short story “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

• Roderick Usher 
• Edgar Allen Poe
• Pierre Jean de Beranger
• Rackham

“The Fall of the House of Usher” is written in ________ point of view.

• First person
• Second person 
• Third person 
• Third person omniscient

Which phrase BEST describes Usher’s state of mind in “The Fall of the House of Usher”?

• Cautious and glum
• Dull and depressed
• Suspicious and miserable
• Nervous and agitated 

In “The Fall of the House of Usher,” which details of the house’s interior seem to reflect Usher’s appearance and the condition of his mind?

• Usher’s confused behavior is reflected in the broken mirrors.
• Usher’s self-assurance and noble manner is reflected in its wealth and splendor.
• Usher’s advanced age and old-fashioned ways are reflected in the ancient furnishings.
• Usher’s physical and mental deterioration is reflected in the gloomy darkness, lack of comfort, and old, worn-out possessions

Which excerpt from "The Fall of the House of Usher" BEST captures the story's overall effect?

• 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
• Although, as boys, we had been even intimate associates, yet I really knew little of my friend.
• Beyond this indication of extensive decay, however, the fabric gave little token of instability.
• It had been used, apparently, in remote feudal times, for the worst purposes of a donjon-keep, and, in later days, as a place of deposit for powder.

Which of the following is a DEFINING element of Gothic literature that is CLEARLY illustrated by "The Fall of the House of Usher"?

• believable characters and settings
• weird or otherworldly occurrences
• A.  a narrator who is also a character in the story
• a contrast between rational and irrational characters

Which of the following words BEST describes the mood, or overall feeling, established in "House Taken Over"?

• Violent
• Creepy
• Depressed 

What happens in "House Taken Over" that demonstrates MOST CLEARLY that it is a story of magical realism?

• The failure of the characters to respond realistically to events in their house by resisting the intruders invokes suspicion and distrust.
• The supernatural setting, characters, and events are so unrealistic that readers are never allowed to see a parallel to the real world
• The lives of the characters are predictable and drawn in such detail that readers vividly recognize the everyday world.
• The routine, ordinary lives of the characters contrasts with the unreal and frightening takeover of the house.

What is the narrative tone of "House Taken Over" that contributes MOST CLEARLY to the magical realism of the story?

• tense even when describing ordinary events
• sentimental even when describing meaningless events
• matter-of-fact even when describing mysterious events
• humorous even when describing sad events

What is realistic about "House Taken Over"?

• The brother and sister keep busy cleaning house and working on hobbies
• The outside forces are allowed to take over the house without any opposition.
• The house resists the nameless intruders for as long as possible.
• The brother and sister cannot understand their home's invasion.