"A skillful literary artist has constructed a tale, … there should be no word written, of which the tendency, direct or indirect, is not to the one pre-established design…"
Edgar Allan Poe, who was praised as given the title of "one of the greatest journalistic critic of his time" by literary critics, stressed unity, totality, and prescribed design. And "The Fall of the House of Usher", is proved to be a very successful story to demonstrate Poe’s adherence of his own principle of constructiveness and his structural art. The intention of this research paper is, therefore, to examine how Poe emphasized unity of effect in theory and how it is fulfilled in practice especially in one of his best-known stories.
In a close reading of "Usher", the author is above all impressed by the melancholic tone that Poe obviously intends to raise at the very beginning of this story. For this reason, how Poe implements his technique by making tone obedient to the unity of effect will be first of all examined in this paper.
Obviously, tone should be identified with atmosphere. According to Poe, unity of setting is another important requirement for achieving the unity of effect in prose writing, which will be studied in the second section.
If, as critics maintain, characters are skilfully adapted to the circumstances which surround them are a general device in Poe’s tales, it is in "Usher" in particular. The third section intends to show how characters are made to fit into the desolate house and dreary environment to achieve the desired effect in this tale.
Finally, with the ideal arrangement of effective tone, setting, characters, Poe gains his battlefield to carry out unity of effect in plot in "Usher". In order to attain the unity of plot in literary writing, Poe stressed both "unity of time" and "unity of action", as essential parts in his theory on unity of effect. In "Usher", both of these aspects are completely fulfilled through the brief time span in which the story happens, a coherent plot line and a "mutual relationship" between incidents. Hence, Poe’s emphasis on unity of plot in theory, and how it is accomplished in "Usher" in the last section will be explored in the last section of this paper.
Consistent with Poe’s theory of "unity", "totality" and "full design", four aspects, namely tone, setting, characters and plot through which Poe attempts to create a vision of "unity of effect" in this tale are examined in this paper.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Tone
- Unity of Tone in Theory
- Unity of Tone in "Usher"
- Chapter 2 Setting
- Unity of Setting in Theory
- Unity of Setting in "Usher"
- Effect of Closed Space
- Adoption of Blackness and Darkness
- Contribution of Extreme Weather Condition
- Chapter 3 Characters in "Usher"
- The Narrator
- Madeline Usher
- Roderick Usher
- Chapter 4 Plot
- Unity of Plot in Theory
- Unity of Plot in “Usher”
- Brief Time Span
- Coherent Plot Line
- Mutual Relationship between Incidents
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper examines the unity of effect in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher," focusing on how Poe utilizes tone, setting, characters, and plot to achieve a cohesive and impactful narrative. The study analyzes Poe's theoretical framework regarding unity in writing and assesses its practical application within the story.
- Unity of Tone
- Unity of Setting
- Character Development and their Role in the Unity of Effect
- Unity of Plot and its Contribution to the Overall Effect
- Poe's Theory of Unity in Prose Writing and its Application in "The Fall of the House of Usher"
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1 Tone: This chapter delves into the crucial role of tone in achieving unity of effect in Poe's work. It begins by examining Poe's theoretical stance on tone as a means of constructing a desired effect in literature, referencing his writings on the subject. The chapter then shifts to a close reading of "The Fall of the House of Usher," analyzing how Poe establishes and maintains a consistent melancholic tone throughout the narrative. The opening lines of the story are examined as an example of how Poe immediately sets the gloomy atmosphere, which pervades the entire tale. The analysis connects the consistent tone to the overall effect Poe aimed to create.
Chapter 2 Setting: This chapter explores the significance of setting in creating a unified effect in "The Fall of the House of Usher." It begins by outlining Poe's theoretical views on the importance of a unified setting and then analyzes how this theory is implemented in the story. The discussion focuses on three key aspects: the effect of the closed, confined space of the house, the pervasive use of blackness and darkness to enhance the gothic atmosphere, and the contribution of extreme weather conditions to the overall mood. Each element is examined in detail, showing how they contribute to the overarching sense of gloom and impending doom that characterizes the narrative, furthering the unity of effect.
Chapter 3 Characters in "Usher": This section analyzes the characters of "The Fall of the House of Usher" and their contribution to the story's unity of effect. It argues that the characters are "skillfully adapted to the circumstances," aligning with Poe's general approach to character creation. The chapter examines the narrator, Madeline Usher, and Roderick Usher individually, exploring how their individual characteristics contribute to the overall atmosphere and plot progression of the story. Their interconnectedness and their roles in driving the narrative forward are highlighted, demonstrating how their actions and relationships amplify the overall themes of decay and psychological disintegration that contribute to the unified effect of the story.
Chapter 4 Plot: This chapter investigates the unity of plot in "The Fall of the House of Usher," focusing on how Poe employs elements of time and action to achieve a cohesive narrative structure. It starts by examining Poe's theoretical emphasis on "unity of time" and "unity of action" as integral parts of his approach to creating a unified effect. The analysis then explores the story's brief time span, coherent plot line, and the "mutual relationship" between its incidents, demonstrating how these elements work together to drive the narrative towards its climax. The discussion highlights the intricate connections between various plot points, explaining how they contribute to the overall effect of the story by creating a compelling and tightly woven narrative.
Keywords
Edgar Allan Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher, unity of effect, tone, setting, character, plot, gothic literature, melancholy, atmosphere, single effect, literary theory, narrative structure.
Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher": A Comprehensive Overview
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research paper analyzing the unity of effect in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the research paper?
The research paper focuses on how Poe achieves a cohesive and impactful narrative through the unified use of tone, setting, characters, and plot in "The Fall of the House of Usher." It also examines Poe's theoretical framework regarding unity in writing and its application in the story. Specific themes include unity of tone, unity of setting, character development and their role in the unity of effect, unity of plot, and Poe's theory of unity in prose writing.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Tone): Explores the role of tone in achieving unity of effect, examining Poe's theory and its application in "The Fall of the House of Usher," focusing on the consistent melancholic tone. Chapter 2 (Setting): Analyzes the significance of setting in creating a unified effect, focusing on the closed space, use of darkness, and extreme weather conditions. Chapter 3 (Characters): Examines the characters (narrator, Madeline, Roderick) and their contribution to the story's unity of effect, highlighting their interconnectedness and roles in driving the narrative. Chapter 4 (Plot): Investigates the unity of plot, focusing on the brief time span, coherent plot line, and the relationship between incidents, demonstrating how these elements contribute to the overall effect.
What are the main objectives of the research paper?
The main objectives are to examine the unity of effect in "The Fall of the House of Usher," analyzing how Poe uses tone, setting, characters, and plot to create a cohesive narrative; to analyze Poe's theoretical framework regarding unity in writing; and to assess its practical application within the story.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Edgar Allan Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher, unity of effect, tone, setting, character, plot, gothic literature, melancholy, atmosphere, single effect, literary theory, narrative structure.
What is the overall approach of the research paper?
The research paper uses a close reading approach to analyze "The Fall of the House of Usher," examining how the various elements of the story work together to create a unified and impactful narrative. It connects Poe's theoretical writings on unity in literature to his practical application in the story.
Who is the intended audience for this research?
The intended audience is likely academics and students interested in Edgar Allan Poe, Gothic literature, literary theory, and narrative structure. The preview suggests that the research is intended for academic use, analyzing themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Diplom-Wirtschaftamerikanistin Xiumei Liu (Author), 2005, The unity effect in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/75734
