Dark Hauntings: "The Fall of the House of Usher" — Quiz
Question 5 • English III
Read the excerpt from Poe’s "The Fall of the House of Usher." His ordinary occupations were neglected or forgotten. He roamed from chamber to chamber with hurried, unequal, an objectless step. The pallor of his countenance had assumed, if possible, a more ghastly hue -- but the luminousness of his eye had utterly gone out. Which statement best describes the effect of the narration on the story?
Answer
A
The narration reveals Usher’s feelings of discouragement.
B
The narration suggests Usher’s mental decline after his sister’s death.
C
The narration suggests Usher’s confusion in the wake of his loss.
D
The narration reveals Usher’s absent-mindedness after his loss.
Explanation
The details show a broad decline in Usher’s condition: he neglects his usual occupations, wanders aimlessly, looks more ghastly, and has lost the brightness in his eyes. Together, these signs suggest his mental decline after his sister’s death, rather than only discouragement, confusion, or absent-mindedness. The best choice is “The narration suggests Usher’s mental decline after his sister’s death.”
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