Fall of the House of Usher
1. Underline all the words in first paragraph that create the negative mood
2. What does Usher suffer from?
Is it the world which makes him mad or his madness which makes the world unbearable? If the former, what about the world serves to madden us?
3. What does Usher fear will make him mad? Is it reasonable to fear this?
4.: How does the description of Madeline's disease offer foreshadowing?
5. What foreshadowing is present in this poem, but most espcially present in this stanza?
6. "disordered fancy" and "kingdom of inorganization": why are these key phrases? What does the mind desperately seek but cannot find?
7. What evidence exists here to suggest that the narrator is growing mad?
8. What happens in the reading of the story to excite the wild imagination of the narrator?
9. "I did actually hear..." Why is this a key passage?
10. What is interesting about Usher calling the narrator a madman?
11. Why is "DID" italicized?
In Summary: What five elements contribute to the author's madness?
Tell-Tale Heart
1. What does the disease do to the author's senses? Sound familiar?
2. What's the irony in the second sentence?
3. "Sagacity" means "shrewd & wise." How is this both true and false?
4. The room fills with darkness: connect with Usher.
5.: the old man "feel(s) the presence of my head." How is this a romantic quality?
6. "And now a new anxiety..." Is the author rational here?
7. "But, ere long..." What's happening here?
8. Is the author really acting crazy or is he only imagining it?
9. What is the onomatopoeic device at the end of this ¶?
In Summary: The purpose of this story is to excite the reader. What elements in the story make it work?
Essay Assignment
Write a sequel to "The Raven" or any one of the four short stories we have read. Consider setting your sequel in modern times. If you like, you may emulate Poe's style. Consider using stream-of-consciousness, vivid descriptions, and suspense. This is not a critical essay, an expository essay, or a narrative essay. Remember: the purpose of your short story is to excite the reader's imagination. Due Week 8, Day 3