The Fall of the House of Usher Edgar Allan Poe's wife, Virginia died on Jan. 30, 1847, Poe became increasingly depressed after her death. He dated several women in an attempt to find relief for the loss of his wife. In 1849, he was engaged to a childhood sweetheart, who by then was a wealthy widow. After making wedding plans, he set out for New York City from Richmond but disappeared in Baltimore. He was found five days …showed first 75 words of 591 total…

…showed last 75 words of 591 total…into the dark tarn and died with the Ushers. Poe's mastery is again displayed in this story. The story captured my attention and enabled me to feel as though I were there - as if I was the friend. From the beginning, I was aware of a sense of gloom and impending death and decay. Throughout the story, I anticipated an event so horrible that it would shock the mind - I was not disappointed.