s of alarm, which he has as causeless, perhaps indicating that the house may in fact be having some effect on him. Throughout the story, Poe gives life-like characteristics to inanimate objects giving the house a supernatural quality. Fear is a basic element of human emotion that is caused by the expectation or realization of danger. The existence of fear is essential for establishing our beliefs, and the actions we take throughout our lives. The Fall of the House of Usher revolves around this realm of fear, and reveals the importance of facing and overcoming our fears. Poe suggests in the story that the denial of our fears can lead to madness and insanity. This message is especially clear as we follow the deterioration of Roderick Usher’s mind. Upon entering the house, the narrator discovered the true source of Roderick’s illness. “I feel that I must inevitably abandon life and reason together, in some struggle with the grim phantasm, Fear”(465). 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. Roderick and his sister is the last of the long line of Usher descendants. “Her decease would leave him the last of the ancient race of the Ushers”(465). Roderick seems not only to fear death but also the uncertainty the future holds. “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”(465). The narrator is implying that he leaving the house and facing his fears may relieve Roderick’s mental condition. As a result 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, Ro...
