Fear as Catalyst of Madness in the The Fall of the House of Usher by Poe

Table of Contents

Introduction
Perception of Surroundings
Descriptive Feelings of Characters
Loose Perception on Reality
Works Cited

Introduction

The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe presents a dramatic tale of a protagonist visiting his childhood friend who is ill and has gone mad. In a story full of dark imagery and psychological built-up tension, Poe creates an atmosphere that becomes deeply disturbing to the audience. However, it is fear that ultimately serves as the catalyst for madness for the protagonist and Roderick Usher, as evident through perception of their surroundings, the descriptive feelings of the characters, and a loose grasp on reality.

Perception of Surroundings

Everything is viewed as dark and gloomy from the moment protagonist arrives on property.
Usher is cut-off from everything, driving himself slowly mad.
Both characters see fear and threat, when in reality no danger is posed.
Grim and deathly surroundings emphasized by Poes imagery influences psychology.

Descriptive Feelings of Characters

Poe uses descriptive actionable language for the feelings of characters.
There is constant anxiety, nervousness, shaking, and other descriptors of fear.
The inner state of the characters is reflected which indicates their slow descent into madness.
Characterization

Loose Perception on Reality

Poes writing makes one question whether what is being seen is real or not.
Since story is told from perspective of protagonist, the concept of reality is highly in doubt.
Use of literary techniques such as imagery and metaphors to bend perception of reality.
Creates an atmosphere of madness for the protagonist, and by extension, the reader.