View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What superstitious impression chains Usher?

2. Upon what do the clouds press according to the narrator?

3. How does the narrator say Usher's voice changes after Madeline dies?

4. How does the narrator describe the night?

5. What does the narrator think Usher is attempting to find the courage to do after Madeline has been dead for several days?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator describe Roderick's appearance?

2. What does the narrator say about Roderick's usual habits after Madeline dies?

3. What does Roderick believe he has done to Madeline?

4. How does the narrator describe the vault where Madeline's coffin is temporarily laid to rest?

5. How does Roderick explain his invitation to a visit by the narrator?

6. Where does Roderick's genius as a painter lie?

7. How does the narrator react upon first seeing Roderick?

8. How does the narrator react to Roderick's mood after Madeline's death?

9. What announcement does Roderick abruptly make one evening?

10. How does the narrator attempt to calm Roderick?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Fall of the House of Usher belongs to the gothic horror genre.

Define the literary term "genre" and name three other genres in addition to the gothic horror genre. What are the advantages and disadvantages of assigning a genre to a story? What do you think is the difference between a gothic horror and a historical story or mystery?

Essay Topic 2

Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Fall of the House of Usher. Are these universal symbols that would have the same meaning in any culture? What other symbols could portray the same idea? Why do you think Poe chooses the symbols he does? Consider symbols such as the physical house itself, the mausoleum, the vegetation and even the décor of the house.

Essay Topic 3

Poe wrote in a different era and culture then the present. Some of the language will seem archaic to modern readers.

Do you think a story or story written so long ago is still relevant to today’s readers? What might make The Fall of the House of Usher a timeless story? Use examples from The Fall of the House of Usher to support your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 651 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample