“Usher” explores a family so bizarre, so self-isolating, so removed from normalcy that their very existence has become eerie and supernatural. The bond between the featured brother and sister characters is intense and inexplicable – possibly it’s supernatural, possibly it’s incestuous. Their bond transcends even death. One interpretation of the tale is that the siblings are actually one person split in two; thus one is unable to survive without the other.
Questions About Family
- Roderick says that Madeline and he share a special kind of connection. What is he talking about, exactly?
- Roderick claims that his mansion has some sort of power over him. Does it? What is the nature of this power?
- What is the nature of Roderick and Madeline’s relationship? Is it supernatural?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Poe implies that Roderick and Madeline share an incestuous relationship.
Poe implies that Roderick and Madeline's relationship is primarily psychological and spiritual, not incestuous.