Toward the middle of the story, Usher's twin sister, Madeline, is revealed to be ill and on the verge of giving in to the "prostrating power of her destroyer" (21 ). Eventually, Usher gives the narrator the bad news that Madeline has died and will be immediately placed in the family vault until proper arrangements can be made. Later, it is revealed that Madeleine had been buried alive and that Usher knew exactly what he had done. When the narrator confronted him about what he had done to Madeline, Usher simply replied, "I don't hear it – yes, I do and I heard it." Long--long--long--many minutes, many hours, many days, I heard it -- yet I did not dare to speak..." (28). This abnormal response provides insight into the extent to which Usher's thoughts control him; he let his twin sister stay buried alive in a coffin and did absolutely nothing to save her. Poe attacks the way individuals become vulnerable in their own minds and forces readers to consider the downsides of the human condition. Even if it's not as intense as Usher, people let their thoughts define who they are and what they do. Insecurity, a problem among many adolescents and even adults, begins with a person's thoughts and self-esteem. Due to insecurity, many believe that they are not capable of doing what they love and should stick to what their mind convinces them to do..