Imagery & Sensory Details:
* Visual: Poe paints vivid pictures of the decaying house, the "vacant eye" of the narrator, and the "sickly pallor" of Roderick.
* Auditory: The sound of the "low and monotonous" music, the "hollow and ghastly" laughter, and the creaking of the house itself create a sense of dread.
* Tactile: The narrator feels the "dampness" and "chill" of the house, emphasizing its oppressive atmosphere.
Symbolism:
* The House of Usher: Represents the physical and psychological decline of the Usher family and the inevitability of decay.
* The Cracks in the House: Symbolizing the growing fissures in Roderick's sanity and the disintegration of the family line.
* The Storm: Represents the inner turmoil and impending doom that engulfs the characters.
Gothic Elements:
* Dark & Gloomy Setting: The desolate mansion, its decaying landscape, and the brooding atmosphere create a sense of fear and foreboding.
* Supernatural Elements: The story hints at the supernatural through the mysterious illness of Madeline and the appearance of a strange, spectral figure.
* Psychological Horror: Poe focuses on the inner turmoil and madness of Roderick, exploring the fragile nature of the human psyche.
Foreshadowing:
* **The Narrator's initial description of the house's "dull, dark, and soundless day" foreshadows the impending doom.
* **Roderick's pronouncements about his own impending death and Madeline's "uncertain" state foreshadow the tragic events to come.
* **The story's title itself is a potent form of foreshadowing, hinting at the inevitable destruction of the house and the family.
Irony:
* Dramatic Irony: The narrator is initially unaware of the true nature of Madeline's illness and Roderick's madness, creating a sense of suspense for the reader.
* Situational Irony: The house, meant to provide sanctuary and refuge, becomes a symbol of decay and death.
Other Devices:
* Alliteration: Poe uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis, such as in "dreary" and "dull."
* Repetition: The repetition of certain words and phrases, like "House of Usher" and "fall," reinforces the themes of decay and doom.
* Personification: Poe imbues the house with human qualities, such as "the house itself appeared to sigh."
These are just some of the literary devices employed by Poe in "The Fall of the House of Usher." Through their skillful combination, he creates a truly chilling and unforgettable tale of psychological horror and the inexorable march of decay.