Viewing

View House of Usher. IMPORTANT NOTE: This film will be shown in class on Monday, Sep. 28, and Wednesday, Sep. 30. Attendance is mandatory. We will have a discussion of the film after its conclusion on Sep. 30 with the time remaining in class.

Themes

NATURE VS. CULTURE, EVIL, HAUNTED HOUSES, ISOLATION, MADNESS, MYSTERY, HISTORY & MEMORY, ADAPTATION, THE UNCANNY, INCEST, NECROPHILIA.

Discussion Questions & Topics

Review clip of the house at the beginning of the film. Compare it to Poe’s introductory description. Is it accurate?

Are the characters of Roderick, Madeline and Philip adequately portrayed with respect to Poe's story? How does the film (mis)represent them? Is Vincent Price’s portrayal what you expected? Is Philip as protagonist and vehicular narrator more effective than as simply vehicular narrator? Is Madeline the object she is in Poe’s story? Or is she subjectified?

Review clip of the first time we meet Roderick. Discuss music, lighting, color, voice and expression that lend insight into his character.

Review clip of the dinner scene. What is the relationship between Roderick and Madeline? How does this scene establish that relationship?

Read the description of the film on the back of the DVD cover. Is Poe’s story about “savage bloodlust” and “necrophilia”?

At one point, Bristol the Butler, who has lived in the House of Usher for sixty years, says: “If the house dies, I shall die.” Is the house portrayed as a character? How?

What is the purpose of Roderick uncovering the history of Usher as a lineage of criminals?

Assignments

Short Essay #1: Write a comparative/contrastive analysis of the film House of Usher and Poe's story "The Fall of the House of Usher." Be sure to include a sufficiently narrow argumentative thesis. Also be sure to explain the significance and implications of the comparisons and/or contrasts you identify. 500-750 words. Submit via WebCT. DUE DATE: Friday, Oct. 2, 5 p.m.