he narrator discovered the true source of Roderick’s illness. “I feel that I must inevitably abandon life and reason together in my struggles with some fatal demon of fear”(668). Roderick is overwhelmed by the fear he is experiencing and it affects every aspect of his life. It is the constant presence of fear that has caused his illness. Roderick does not know how, or is unwilling to try to overcome his fears.One of Roderick’s fears is death. He is form a prestigious family. Roderick and his sister are the last of the long line of Usher descendants. “Her decease would leave him the last of the ancient race of the Ushers”(668). Roderick seems not only to fear death but also the uncertainty the future holds. The narrator of the story states that Roderick’s fear may be linked directly to the house. “He is enchained by certain superstitious impressions in regard to the dwelling which he tenanted, and from which for many years, he had never ventured forth”(668). The narrator is implying that Roderick’s mental condition may be relieved by him leaving the house and facing his fears. Because of Roderick’s fear, however, he is restrained from leaving and does not make the attempt to defeat this enduring power that holds him captive.After Madeline is placed into the vault, Roderick’s fear increases and his insanity becomes more evident. “He roamed from chamber to chamber with hurried, unequal, and objectless step. The pallor of his countenance has assumed, if possible, a more ghastly hue”(673). The narrator closely studied Roderick and tried to understand his fears, while at the same time he was ignoring the inception of his own fears. Inevitably, the dramatic and intense fear was passed on to the narrator. “It was no wonder that his condition terrified-that is agitated me”(573). This statement indicates the character that has maintai...
