The Fall of the House of Usher

Poe does not specify the House of Usher’s location. Is it important that the reader know this detail? Why or why not?

Poe’s long, intricate sentences mirror his characters’ emotional states. Find and analyze three sentences that show the relationship between syntax, rhythm, word choice, and emotion.

Do you find the narrator reliable? Why or why not? Provide evidence from the text.

In your opinion, are the causes for the story’s events rational, supernatural, or a combination of both? Provide evidence from the text.

Much speculation exists about the nature of Madeline and Usher’s relationship. What do you believe could be the reason for this speculation?

Poe utilized many of the same dark Romantic themes in his other short stories. Choose another short story by Poe and compare and contrast his treatment of one of the themes discussed in this guide.

In your opinion, is the House of Usher haunted? If so, by what or whom?

At points in the narrative, the narrator hints that Usher knows more than he is revealing. In your opinion, is Usher being truthful with the narrator, or is he hiding something?