The Fall of the House of Usher Part One
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Last updated 10 months ago
20 questions
Required
1
How does Poe establish a mood of gloom and unease in the opening paragraph?
How does Poe establish a mood of gloom and unease in the opening paragraph?
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1
What does the narrator’s immediate reaction to the House of Usher suggest about the role of setting in the story?
What does the narrator’s immediate reaction to the House of Usher suggest about the role of setting in the story?
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1
What is the symbolic significance of the "empty eye-like windows" of the house?
What is the symbolic significance of the "empty eye-like windows" of the house?
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1
How does the narrator’s perception of the house change as he observes its reflection in the lake?
How does the narrator’s perception of the house change as he observes its reflection in the lake?
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1
How does Poe’s use of long, detailed descriptions impact the pacing of the story?
How does Poe’s use of long, detailed descriptions impact the pacing of the story?
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1
What does the phrase "a sickly, unhealthy air that I could see" most likely imply about the supernatural elements in the story?
What does the phrase "a sickly, unhealthy air that I could see" most likely imply about the supernatural elements in the story?
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1
How does the description of Usher’s family history contribute to the overall themes of the story?
How does the description of Usher’s family history contribute to the overall themes of the story?
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1
What does the crack in the front of the building foreshadow?
What does the crack in the front of the building foreshadow?
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1
How does the contrast between the exterior and interior of the house reflect Usher’s condition?
How does the contrast between the exterior and interior of the house reflect Usher’s condition?
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1
What does Usher’s fluctuating speech pattern suggest about his mental state?
What does Usher’s fluctuating speech pattern suggest about his mental state?
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1
What role does sensory detail play in conveying Usher’s illness?
What role does sensory detail play in conveying Usher’s illness?
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1
What can be inferred from Usher’s belief that he will "lose his life, and his mind, and his soul, together"?
What can be inferred from Usher’s belief that he will "lose his life, and his mind, and his soul, together"?
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1
How does the narrator’s initial description of Usher contrast with his previous memories of their friendship?
How does the narrator’s initial description of Usher contrast with his previous memories of their friendship?
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1
What does the narrator’s reluctance to describe Usher as a “simple human being” suggest?
What does the narrator’s reluctance to describe Usher as a “simple human being” suggest?
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1
How does Usher’s belief in fear as the "enemy" relate to Gothic literature themes?
How does Usher’s belief in fear as the "enemy" relate to Gothic literature themes?
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1
Why does Usher’s condition create a sense of inevitability in the story?
Why does Usher’s condition create a sense of inevitability in the story?
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1
What does the lack of natural light in the house symbolize?
What does the lack of natural light in the house symbolize?
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1
How does Poe’s use of first-person narration shape the reader’s perception of Usher?
How does Poe’s use of first-person narration shape the reader’s perception of Usher?
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1
Why does Usher claim that certain sounds fill him with horror?
Why does Usher claim that certain sounds fill him with horror?
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1
What is the significance of the narrator’s presence in the house?
What is the significance of the narrator’s presence in the house?