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Setting In The Fall Of The House Of Usher

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Setting is a literary device used by writers to paint the scene of their writing. Early in education students are taught that setting is the time and place of a piece of literature. But, later it is learned that there are five functions of setting, each contributing something to the piece of literature to form the images and emotions perceived by the audience. The functions of setting are used by an author to paint an image in the reader’s mind. In the 1960 movie adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s Classic Gothic Tale, The Fall of the House of Usher the functions of setting truly enhanced the readers emotions and understanding. The setting in the movie version of The Fall of the House of Usher creates an eerie and creepy atmosphere adding to the themes and enhancing the plot of the story. There were many examples of how Edgar Allen Poe and the movie director, Roger Corman created such an atmosphere. One …show more content…

The crack along the side of the house not only reinforces the theme of the destruction of man. The crack also helps to show the function of setting; background for action by how the family is breaking apart because of tensions between them and Roderick’s desire for the Usher name to end. The cracking of the house could also be foreshadowing of the corruption of Roderick when he buried Madeline alive to end the Usher family name. The cracking could also be an example of background for action when Madeline escaped, and cracked herself. She became psychotic and attacked Philip then killed Roderick as the house was engulfed by flames. The crack in the house also aids in showing rift growing between Philip and Madeleine when she returns to the house. The crack in the house is an element that can be interpreted many different ways that can change the audience’s perspective and create a different understanding for every

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