STORY OF POE

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

BIOGRAPHY

• Born January 19, 1809
• Both parents died when he was three
• Married his cousin, Virginia Clemm
• Poe enlisted in the United States Army
• Poe was adopted by John Allan

Biography
Edgar Allan Poe was a famous writer in the 1800s. He was a good school student however, had very little funding to get into college. Poe began his successful career of writing in 1836 after marriage. He died on October seventh, 1849 due to congestion of the brain.

MAJOR CHARACTERS

• Roderick Usher - Bodily ill, Needs rest
• Madeline Usher - Roderick's deceased twin. Put into a coffin.
• Narrator - Best friend of Roderick.

Setting

Dreary, large, depressing mansion. Late night, very dark. Horses used for transportation.

Conflict

Roderick Usher needs the help of the narrator. However Roderick doesn't have long to live. Also something very dark is happening in the mansion.

Theme

Madness - A story based off insanity and imagination. Turns almost supernatural towards the ending.

Symbolism
Roderick's illness - A sign of insanity
The House - Seems to trap and control the narrator.
Madeline - Another sign of insanity and supernatural powers.

Imagery

The reek of decayed trees, and the gray wall, and the silent tarn - a pestilent and mystic vapor, dull, sluggish, faintly discernible and leaden-hued.

WORDS TO KNOW

• Scrutinizing - criticizing or wanting to find error
• Oppressive - overwhelming, or a large amount of
• Vivacious - Full of energy
• Insipid - bland or boring
• Futile - useless, or having no reason.

Works Cited

"Edgar Allan Poe."
Poets.org. Academy of
America. Poets, 1997.
Web. 9 April 2014.