fall of the house of usher critique
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THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER CRITIQUE
Edgar Allan Poe's short stories fall under the criteria of "Gothic" literature. I am going to critique The Fall of the House of Usher in terms of Poe's use of some of the various elements of literature, chiefly his use of setting and symbolism. In this particular short story Poe uses the setting to expand the plot. Poe goes into great detail in the first few paragraphs to portray the scenery by use of the most diseased and spooky atmosphere possible. The setting not only enhances the plot but changes the characters as well. Poe uses the house throughout the story, as part of his use of symbolism within the setting. As the story unfolds, the house is described as being spiritually unbalanced. Roderick Usher wonders if there is something unhealthy about the house. I will also discuss how "Family" is woven throughout this story as well as focusing on the supernatural events and illnesses that occur.
This short story contains many of the key elements of "Gothic Literature" as previously mentioned...