The Fall of the House of Usher is a gothic short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1839. It tells the tale of a nameless narrator who visits the eerie and decaying mansion of his childhood friend, Roderick Usher. Roderick suffers from a mysterious illness, as does his sister Madeline, who soon appears to die and is entombed in the family vault. As the story unfolds, the house itself seems to reflect the madness and decay of its inhabitants, leading to a terrifying climax when Madeline reappears and both siblings meet a tragic end.

The story explores themes of madness, family decay, isolation, and the supernatural. Poe uses dark imagery, a haunting atmosphere, and psychological depth to create a sense of dread and suspense. The collapsing mansion serves as a powerful symbol of the Usher family’s physical and mental deterioration. The Fall of the House of Usher remains one of Poe’s most celebrated and chilling works, showcasing his mastery of gothic horror and psychological storytelling.