Part 1 of Essay
Thesis: The depression and hardships experienced by Edgar Allan Poe during his lifetime led to reoccurring themes of death and Goth in many of his short stories. I. “The Cask of Amontillado” A. Premeditated murder is the theme of “The Cask of Amontillado”. 1. Montresor has a deep hatred for Fortunato. 2. Fortunato plans t ....

Part 2 of Essay
.... clock is in the last room draped in black velvet. b. The black room symbolizes death; it is also the last room in the palace. III. “The Fall of the House of Usher” A. “The Fall of the House of Usher” uses death as a major concept. 1. All of the Ushers have died and there are only two remaining in the family. 2. Madeline dies during the story. B. The house reflects death in many ways. a. The grounds show no signs of life. b. The inside is also very deserted and reflects the Gothicism of the home. ....