The Fall of House Usher is a terrifying tale of the demise of the Usher family, whose inevitable end is reflected in the sick, evil aura of the house and grounds . Poe uses elements of the Gothic tale to create an atmosphere of terror. The ruined house is a metaphor for the spirit of Roderick Usher, as well as his family lineage. The bleak landscape also reflects his personality. Poe also uses puns to prompt the reader to make predictions or provide information. Poe also made the story intentionally ambiguous so that the reader is continually suspended between reality and fantasy. One of the first things to note is how the house is used to represent Roderick's state of mind and physical appearance. The house is in disrepair and has a sinister atmosphere. This is what the narrator saw and felt when he found his old friend. He felt a shiver run down his spine, as if something was wrong. He could feel the fear in the air. Additionally, Roderick feels trapped in his own home, just as he is trapped in his own mind. Its spirit, like the house, is...