The Fall of the House of Usher, by Edgar Allan Poe

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A writer’s style is defined by his wording, diction, tone, and use of language. Style is the form of writing the author uses to build the story. Style is one of the most influential parts of a piece of fiction because it creates the overall mood and feeling. In “The Fall of the House of Usher,” the style is very gothic and dark, creating an ominous mood. This piece of fiction demonstrates Poe’s skill for making a moving tone, impeccable language, and a unique gothic style. The story begins with an unnamed narrator who receives a letter from an old friend named Roderick Usher, saying that he is ill and would like the narrator’s company. The narrator gives no explanation for the reason he came to the house of Usher, and this mysteriousness places the tone for a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The House of Usher, both in the physical and the family sense, are significant characters in the story. (Shmoop) The actual structure itself is the main character that the narrator personifies to the reader. In the exposition, the narrator states that he looks “upon the vacant eye-like windows,” giving the house a human-like characteristic. (Poe, 153) “The Fall of the House of Usher” is a frightening story, and the narrator is an intimate observer of the strange occurrences. Poe’s story begins in a cautious and tranquil way, maintaining detachment from indescribable situations and occurrences. The narrator is anonymous, suggesting that his main purpose is to simply do as his title suggests, which is to narrate. Inexplicably, the narrator repeatedly suggests that all efforts to precisely depict the strange activities of the House of Usher are in actual fact useless. Perhaps the most notable example of irony in the story is th... ... middle of paper ... ... as he transverses the dim home, past its extremely old and worn out furniture, towards his friend. Shocked by the alteration in his companion’s physical appearance, the narrator is in disbelief of the cadaverous and terrible outer shell of his friend Roderick Usher. Roderick has extreme sensory sensitivity. The blandest cuisine, the slightest of a delicate hand or the faintest noise causes him a terrible ache. This statement made by perhaps the most intriguing character of this Gothic tale is foreshadowing the climax of the story. Edgar Allen Poe is widely known for his ability to create a faultless language, a touching tone, and a one of a kind Gothic style in his work, “The Fall of the House of Usher.” As one of his most prominent pieces of fiction, it is a perfect example of his use of these elements, combined into an epic tale of horror, fright, and secrecy.

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