Question

1. How do the tone and language of “The Fall of the House of Usher” match the Gothic model?

Answer 1

The story "The Fall of the House of Usher" is one of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous short stories. It is also a classic example of Gothic literature.

Gothic literature is a type of fiction that developed from Romanticism. The Romantic period placed great emphasis on emotions and passion. Similarly, Gothic fiction focuses on the intensity of human experience. However, Gothic literature mainly describes the most extreme and dark expressions of such feelings. Therefore, it often focused on feelings such as terror, madness, insanity and the supernatural.

The tone that Poe employs in this story shows many Gothic elements. First, Poe builds up the narrative through the presentation of extensive details. These are revealed slowly and in a mysterious manner in order to increase suspense. Moreover, Poe's description of the house and the people that live in it create a picture that is suspicious and dark.

The language used in the story also develops this model. Poe employs words that have negative connotations, as they are associated with darkness or the supernatural. He also employs language that is negative and at times erratic, suggesting the presence of insanity.