House of Usher Symbolism

“The Fall of the House of Usher” is a prime example of Gothic literature, filled with symbolism and themes that explore the human psyche and the supernatural. The story takes place in the dilapidated mansion of the Usher family, where the narrator visits his childhood friend Roderick Usher, who is suffering from a mysterious illness. Throughout the story, Poe uses various symbols to create an atmosphere of dread and decay, reflecting the mental and physical deterioration of the Usher family and their ancestral home. This essay will explore the use of symbolism in “The Fall of the House of Usher” and how it contributes to the overall themes of decay, madness, and the supernatural.

Symbolism in "The Fall of the House of Usher"

One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the physical decay of the House of Usher, which mirrors the mental and physical deterioration of the Usher family. The narrator describes the mansion as having “minute fungi overspread the whole exterior, hanging in a fine tangled web-work from the eaves” and “bleak walls with no friendly vegetation” (Poe, 1839). The decaying house represents the decline of the Usher family, who are plagued by illness and madness. The mansion’s crumbling facade and gloomy atmosphere create a sense of foreboding and impending doom, foreshadowing the tragic fate of the Usher siblings. This reflection of their inner turmoil onto their physical environment underscores the inescapable nature of their decline.

Another significant symbol in the story is the tarn, a dark and murky body of water that surrounds the House of Usher. The tarn reflects the desolation and decay of the mansion, as well as the psychological state of the Usher family. The narrator describes the tarn as having “no light from the setting sun could penetrate the waters, which lay oppressively still and motionless beneath a thick, dark cloud” (Poe, 1839). The tarn’s stagnant and lifeless waters symbolize the isolation and despair of the Usher family, as well as the suffocating atmosphere of the mansion. The tarn also serves as a metaphor for the subconscious mind, representing the dark and hidden depths of the human psyche. This dual symbolism emphasizes the theme of being trapped both physically and mentally.

Furthermore, the character of Madeline Usher is a symbol of death and decay in the story. Madeline is Roderick’s twin sister, who is believed to be dead and is buried in the family crypt beneath the mansion. However, she later emerges from her tomb, seemingly risen from the dead. Madeline’s appearance is ghastly and ghost-like, with “blood upon her white robes, and the evidence of some bitter struggle upon every portion of her emaciated frame” (Poe, 1839). Madeline’s resurrection symbolizes the return of repressed trauma and the haunting of the Usher family by their own dark secrets. Her eventual demise, along with the collapse of the mansion, represents the final destruction of the Usher family and their cursed lineage. This cyclical return and destruction reflect the inescapable nature of their fate.

Themes of Madness and Mental Deterioration

In addition to the physical and supernatural symbolism, “The Fall of the House of Usher” also explores the theme of madness and mental deterioration. Roderick Usher’s deteriorating mental state is a central focus of the story, and his descent into madness is reflected in the decaying mansion and the eerie atmosphere that surrounds it. The narrator describes Roderick as having “a species of mad hilarity in his eyes” and “a ghastly pallor of the skin” (Poe, 1839). Roderick’s mental instability is symbolized by the crumbling house and the oppressive atmosphere that pervades it, creating a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom. This connection between the physical and mental states illustrates the pervasive nature of madness within the Usher lineage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Fall of the House of Usher” is a masterful example of Gothic literature, filled with symbolism and themes that explore the human psyche and the supernatural. The physical decay of the House of Usher, the murky tarn, the character of Madeline Usher, and the theme of madness all serve as powerful symbols that contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread and decay in the story. Through these symbols, Poe creates a haunting and atmospheric tale that delves into the depths of the human soul and the mysteries of the subconscious mind. The intricate interplay of these symbols with the characters’ psychological states amplifies the story’s exploration of inescapable decay and doom.

References

Poe, E. A. (1839). The Fall of the House of Usher. In Burton’s Gentleman’s Magazine.