Question
That the narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” finds himself becoming affected by Usher’s condition is significant in what way?
It proves that Usher is actually pretending to be mentally ill.
It suggests that Usher’s illness might have supernatural rather than genetic origins.
It demonstrates how contagious mental illness can be.
It shows that the narrator is as frightened of Madeline’s return as Usher is.
It proves that Usher is actually pretending to be mentally ill.
It suggests that Usher’s illness might have supernatural rather than genetic origins.
It demonstrates how contagious mental illness can be.
It shows that the narrator is as frightened of Madeline’s return as Usher is.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The most significant implication of the narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” becoming affected by Usher’s condition is that it demonstrates how contagious mental illness can be. The narrator, initially rational and composed, begins to feel the weight of Usher's despair and anxiety, indicating that the oppressive atmosphere and the psychological distress surrounding Usher can influence those who interact with him. This reflects the idea that emotional and mental states can resonate between individuals, suggesting a powerful connection between the narrator and Usher, as well as the oppressive environment of the decaying Usher house.