explain briefly the double meaning of the title the fall of the house of usher

-- Anonymous, March 20, 2002

Answers

The Fall of the House of Usher refers to the actual physical house crumbling into the abyss. It also refers to the fall of the "House" or rather the family of Usher's falling because Roderick and Madeline were the last of the Usher's and they died so the family died as well. In other words the last two Usher's died so the family or the house (which are used synonamously) fell as well. Hope this helps.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

Also as per some philosophical passages and "The Haunted Palace" included in the story, the House is also a metaphor for the mind of Usher.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002