The Fall of The House of Usher

House of Mirrors: Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'.""Short Story Criticism
Poe’s work, The Fall of the House Usher, explores the mysteries and Gothic factors of the House of Usher and takes the reader on how those elements arouse a new understanding of divinity and mystical powers. The venture will analyze the novel based on the symbolic nature of the mirrors and divinity. The mirrors represent a high gothic element evident in this particular work by Poe.The mirror images that are dominant in the story indicate what is happening to the female character, Madeline usher and other occupants of the house. The mirrors are a reflection of the lives of the residents of the House of Usher. The first image is the Haunted Palace. It indicates Usher Madeline’s state of mind (Timmerman 5). Poe reveals that “….a den of disorder in which demons flicker like bats…these demons are in Usher’s mind”. (Timmerman 5). Another image is “the sinking of the house into the reflecting pool….” (Timmerman 2). The hysteria and extent of delusion by Madeline is revealed by this image. The sinking house also shows the ghostly soul residing in Madeline’s body (Timmerman 5).Poe challenges our understanding of divinity through the portrayal of supernatural beings and the religious connotations that accompany the same. Our existence in physical form hinders the expression of mystical ability and enhances human reliance on the existence of the supernatural being like God as a source of enlightening. The writer indicates that “If willed into being by God…then what constitutes our individualism and unity with God?”(Timmerman 3).Poe argues that our intuition helps us the understanding of God’s creation and strong emotions such as sadness bring us closer to God (Timmerman 3). Tapping into the depths of our intuition leads to enlightenment.Mabbott, Thomas Ollive, and Barbara Perkins. "Poe, Edgar Allan (1809-1849)." Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia of American Literature, by George B. Perkins, et al., vol. 1, HarperCollins, 1991, p. 853. Literary Sources, ezproxy.pgcc.edu/login? url=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GLS&sw=w&u=pgcc_main&v=2.1&id=GALE %7CA16854351&it=r&asid=6fa9ebcde2510201574129bc2a29b6fe. Accessed 26 Sept. 2017.Edgar Allan Poe was an accomplished writer who lived from 1809-1864, into a wealthy family although raised by a stepfather (Mabbott & Perkins 1). Young bore experienced a troubled childhood full of mischief, youthful endeavors, and rebellious personality. Poe became estranged from his stepfather that made him enlist in the military academy to better improve his prospects in life (Mabbott & Perkins 1).However; the bad experienced helped to shape Poe’s imagination and sharpened his reputation as a poet in future. This assignment will identify and examine some of Poe’s poetic works and short stories, and their relation to his personal life.The poem Bridal Ballard and To Zante that explores his feelings to Elmira Royster before he joined university (Mabbott & Perkins 3). I think Poe’s feelings towards Royster may have contributed to his gambling behavior and alcoholism at the university. The poem To My Mother written in 1849, Poe reveals the relationship between him and his aunt (Mabbott & Perkins 2). It is evident that she was critical in his life. His most notable short stories are The Fall of the House of Usher and Gold Bug. The Fall of House of Usher is thought to be a reflection of Poe’s life and the demise that had befallen his family. Al Aaaraf was about Poe’s troubled childhood and his exploits as a teenager. The poem Annie is dedicated to his struggles with illness and the journey to recovery.ConclusionEdgar Poe’s reputation as a writer is undeniable. He was a controversial figure, and so were his poems and stories. The Fall of House of Usher helps us understand Poe’s views on divinity and mystery. Many of his poems and short stories related to his personal experiences. They include Al Aaaraf, Annie, Gold Bug, To My Mother, To Zante and Bridal Ballard among others.Works CitedTimmerman, John H. "House of Mirrors: Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'." Short Story Criticism, edited by Jelena Krstovic, vol. 111, Gale, 2008. Literature Resource Center, ezproxy.pgcc.edu/login?url=http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/ps/i.do?p=GLS&sw=w&u=pgcc_main&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CH1420082752&asid=7bd4f662e3ac2d87af28b8aa244827ca. Accessed 26 Sept. 2017. Originally published in Papers on Language & Literature, vol. 39, no. 3, Summer 2003, pp. 227-244.Mabbott, Thomas Ollive, and Barbara Perkins. "Poe, Edgar Allan (1809-1849)." Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia of American Literature, by George B. Perkins, et al., vol. 1, HarperCollins, 1991, p. 853. Literary Sources, ezproxy.pgcc.edu/login? url=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GLS&sw=w&u=pgcc_main&v=2.1&id=GALE %7CA16854351&it=r&asid=6fa9ebcde2510201574129bc2a29b6fe. Accessed 26 Sept. 2017.