i am doing an essay on "The fall of the house of usher" and would like to get some info on it.

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I would like to know some info on "The fall of the house of Usher, like what does it symbolize, and what really happens to Madeline, and are they incest, and why is Roderick so sick.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

Answers

Chrissy,

I have sent a response via e-mail but you should also check the Poe Decoder website at http://www.poedecoder.com There is an essay there on this tale by Martha Womack that is excellent and informative.

Regards,

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2000


The two characters in the Fall of the House of Usher (roderick and Madeline) represent two parts of the same being. Roderick represents the intellectual aspects, while Madeline represents the emotional. These two parts cannot exist without each other, which is what the story basically says. Roderick tries to lock away his emotions and his connection with the world when he buries Madeline alive. However, she comes back, showing that emotions are an essential part of a being.

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2000

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