Parent Guide > The Fall of the House of Usher

This week in class, we’re reading "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe.

In this short story by American author Edgar Allan Poe, an unnamed narrator visits an old friend and finds a tale of horror within the decaying manor.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Death and Fear & Paranoia as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"How does fear drive action?" and "How do people face death?"

Ways to support your child:

• Ask your child about this short story at home:
  • What was "The Fall of the House of Usher" about?
  • What did you learn about Death?
  • What did you learn about Fear & Paranoia?
• Watch the following clips with your child at home:
  • 'Edgar Allan Poe - Biography'
  • 'The Fall of the House of Usher (2004)'