"Fall of the House of Usher" is often taught in high school literature classes. It is one of Edgar Allan Poe's better known works. It is an example of anti-transcendental literature, focusing on humankind's frailty and faults rather than on redeeming god-like virtues that would help common humans embrace the better parts of their natures. Like most of Poe's works, it is also rife with symbolism. For modern readers, it contains vocabulary no longer in common use.
Read the story through without worrying about anything but the action in the story. If you love scaring yourself, tuck up after everyone has gone to bed, and read it with a flashlight under the covers or in a darkened room with a single light source. If you don't like scary stories, read it during the day in a cheerful room where there are other people. It is much more terrifying than most modern works.
2
Read it through a second time. This time, underline or make note of unfamiliar words. Make note of the symbolism of the house and the behavior of the brother and sister. Pay close attention to the books and music mentioned as being favorites of Usher. Look up the words you have underlined in a good dictionary. Make note of the definitions that fit usage in the story. Take time to read footnotes and end notes and to look up references. Write down what you think the symbolism may be, and what you think is happening.
3
Visit your local library, and check out a copy of CliffsNotes or SparkNotes. Read the sections on symbolism in the story. Check them against your personal interpretation. Make notes on whether you think the author of the commentary is correct, or whether your interpretation is better and why. Run your theories past your instructor before taking a test or turning in that all-important final essay.
Tips & Warnings
Read a short biography of Poe after you read the story. Much of Poe's writing is derived from his personal lifestyle and life events.
Don't rely on CliffsNotes or SparkNotes to let you skip actually reading the story.
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