Answer the following questions in paragraph form (paying attention to grammar, spelling and sentence structure of course!). Paragraph answers are to be at least 150 words in length and each answer should include a properly cited quote (MLA format) from the reading to support your answers and enough analysis and interpretation to show true understanding of the reading.
1) What is the Plot Line? For this portion of the assignment you must outline the plot line of this short story and also outline the plot line of your own short story which you will write at the end of this module.
2) Irony and Symbolism: Take your time and read the definitions for irony and symbolism below. Then, based on the short story, write a 150-200 word paragraph about how both irony and symbolism helped in supporting the theme of the short story. Be sure to identify what the exact theme of this short story is.
Irony- Is when an outcome of events is the opposite of what is to be expected.
Symbolism: Is the use of objects which provide a hidden meaning. For example, dove= peace, lily=death.
3) Analyze the description of the setting provided by the narrator, what kind of atmosphere is created? What are the images the narrator instills in your mind to solidify the atmosphere?
4) What is the name of the proprietor of the House of Usher? How do he and the narrator know each other?
5) What kind of illness does the proprietor of the mansion suffer from and why did the narrator go to visit him?
6) How is the proprietor’s bedroom a metaphor of himself? Describe the room and explain.
7) How are Lady Madeline and the proprietor related? Does the proprietor and Lady Madeline have a close relationship? Support your response with direct evidence from the short story.
8) Read the ballad. Does it relate somewhat to the proprietor of the Manson and his life? How?
9) What does the proprietor ask the narrator to help him with when it comes to Lady Madeline? Where do they take Lady Madeline’s body? Describe the proprietor’s reaction to the scenario.
10) Provide three titles of the books that the narrator read to the proprietor. What were some of the themes that were explored in the novels that the narrator chose to read? How does this relate to the proprietor’s recent mental state and health?
11) What is the final story that Edgar reads to the proprietor? What does he hear as he is reading the story and who appears at the door upon him reading?
12) Who appeared at the door and what happened to the proprietor once he saw the figure? What was the reaction by the narrator and what happened to the mansion at the end of the short story?
13) Were you surprised by the plot and the conclusion? Why or why not?
