Decoding Verna's Warning: Unveiling the Cryptic Message in The City In The Sea

Summary

The poem "The City in the Sea" by Edgar Allan Poe symbolizes the deterioration of the human spirit and mirrors the moral decline of the Usher family depicted in The Fall of the House of Usher.

Verna accentuates the sins committed by the affluent Ushers and their pursuit of wealth, unveiling the tarnishing of their souls. The concluding verses of the poem anticipate the impending catastrophe of the Usher dynasty, reflecting how their transgressions and immoral deeds ultimately result in their downfall and complete annihilation.

In The Fall of the House of Usher, the significance of Verna reciting Edgar Allan Poe's poem, The City in the Sea, to Madeline goes beyond what it initially appears. Throughout its eight episodes, Mike Flanagan's series makes multiple references to Poe's works, with some being mere mentions, while others contribute significantly to the show's exploration of mortality and morality.

One notable example is when the show uses Edgar Allan Poe's poem, The Raven, to delve into themes of death, guilt, and grief. The Raven is metaphorically represented as a character in The Fall of the House of Usher, adding depth to the exploration of these ideas. Additionally, another intriguing reference occurs when Madeline returns to her childhood home and reunites with Verna after many years. Seeking answers, Madeline is enveloped in an aura of mystery and uncertainty when Verna quotes The City in the Sea, further enhancing the show's themes.

"The City In The Sea" Poem Reflects The Usher Family's Moral Decay

Edgar Allan Poe's poem, The City in the Sea, presents vivid and surreal imagery of a dying city sinking into the depths of the ocean. Death personified rules over this city, casting a giant shadow over the gaping graves and emphasizing the prevalence of death. The city is so far below the surface that even sunlight filters through the sea, unable to directly reach it. These somber depictions establish the city as an allegory for the decay and impending collapse of the human soul.

In The Fall of the House of Usher, Verna expands on the poem, highlighting the exotic architecture of the city with its Babylonian walls and majestic halls. This imagery alludes to the sins committed by the wealthy, particularly focusing on the Ushers. Verna emphasizes how their relentless pursuit of wealth has darkened their souls. Although the poem initially serves as a cautionary tale about the moral corruption and downfall that can result from chasing material success, it ultimately becomes a reflection of the tragic fate of the Ushers in The Fall of the House of Usher.

How Verna's "The City In The Sea" Warning Foreshadows The Usher Empire's Doom

In the concluding verses, the town sinks further and further into the ground while "hell" emerges "from a thousand suns." Similarly, in Netflix's The Fall of the House of Usher, the Usher family's empire gradually crumbles due to their immoral actions, resulting in destruction. As the Netflix series nears its climax, Madeline and Roderick, much like the characters in the poem, are consumed by a metaphorical hell, forcing them to face the realization that it is too late for them to seek redemption. Ultimately, before the credits roll in The Fall of the House of Usher, nothing remains of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals (much like the city in The City in The Sea) as Juno effectively dismantles the entire company, putting an end to the Usher dynasty once and for all.