The Enigmatic Secret Behind Madeline's Wig in The Haunting Decline of The House of Usher

Article Overview

Madeline Usher wears a wig throughout the series, and a fan theory suggests it is linked to her fascination with Ancient Egypt and Cleopatra.

Madeline Usher's wig in the eight-episode Netflix series adaptation of "Fall of the House of Usher" holds a chilling secret. As viewers delve into Mike Flanagan's interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's tale, they discover that Madeline and her twin, Roderick, use their traumatic upbringing to build an empire from scratch. Discovering their estranged father was the former CEO of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, the siblings embark on a mission to take over the company. However, it is Madeline who takes the lead, believing it to be their birthright.

Together, the twins plan a meticulous strategy to seize control of Fortunato, leading them to murder Rufus Griswold, their father's successor. Their actions lead them to a peculiar bar owned by the enigmatic Verna, who is somehow tied to death and is immortal. A deal is struck between the Usher twins and Verna - they will go unpunished for their crimes, achieve wealth and success, but at the cost of their bloodline. It becomes clear that Verna has a deep fondness for Madeline, which suggests a deeper significance behind Madeline's wig.

Madeline's Wig Reveal In The House Of Usher Explained

After Tamerlane's death, Madeline and Arthur Pym discuss the next steps, as Roderick's mental state is affected by CADASIL, a hereditary disorder causing dementia. Madeline believes she should take control of Fortunato, replacing its problematic painkiller legacy with her AI project for virtual immortality. She presents the idea as rebranding the company as a tech company. In episode 7, "The Pit and the Pendulum," it is revealed that Roderick betrayed Auggie in the past, which was orchestrated by Madeline to gain trust at Fortunato. After her conversation with Pym, Madeline visits her childhood home, knowing Verna will be there. Before entering, she removes her wig, though the show does not offer an explicit explanation for this choice.

Madeline Wears The Bangs Wig To Fulfill Her Cleopatra Nickname From Verna – Theory Explained

Madeline's wig, characterized by its severe bangs, has been a subject of discussion among fans. According to a popular theory, the wig symbolizes Madeline's deep interest in Ancient Egypt and their beliefs about the afterlife. One viewpoint suggests that Madeline's choice of wig represents her aversion to biological aspects such as aging or having children. On the other hand, it is noted that women in Ancient Egypt often wore wigs for hygienic reasons. Both perspectives hold significance as Madeline views biology as a weakness, given her brother's inherited disorder and the consequences of their bloodline pact with Verna, which led to her decision to never have children.

Moreover, Madeline's fascination with Ancient Egyptian culture and practices is evident, and the wig serves as a more direct connection to Cleopatra. Cleopatra, known as the last active ruler of Ancient Egypt, was known for her association with influential men like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. There are clear thematic parallels between Madeline and the queen, further emphasized by Verna referring to Madeline as "my Cleopatra." The nickname originated from their initial encounter on New Year's Eve and resurfaces in their conversations at the Usher homestead. Interestingly, Madeline's wig, with its severe and blunt-cut bangs, even resembles the common depictions of Cleopatra wearing a wig.

Madeline Taking Off Her Wig To See Verna Makes House Of Usher Theory More Compelling

In the Fall of the House of Usher's penultimate episode, Madeline's wig is kept hidden from the audience until the latter half. This amplifies the significance of the context surrounding Madeline's decision. Prior to listening to Verna recite "The City In The Sea" poem, Madeline takes off her distinctive hairstyle before entering her childhood home. During this encounter, she sees Verna for the first time since New Year's Eve. After demanding Verna to change the terms of their long-standing agreement that doomed the Usher family, Madeline questions, "Have you forgotten what I am?" Verna responds with a smile, saying, "There she is. Ah, there's my Cleopatra."

Verna proceeds to describe Madeline as a collection of flawlessly crafted masks circling around an emotionally stunted core. This remark prompts Madeline to break her own neck. However, the immortal Verna still considers Madeline as one of her "favorites." Madeline's wig, unlike a mere disguise, functions as her own crown inspired by Cleopatra. It is logical for her to remove the wig upon seeing Verna again, as Verna is the one who bestowed upon her the nickname and the crown. In contrast to the influential men whom Madeline manipulated, Verna can see past her facade.

Madeline's Wig Theory Continues House Of Usher's Egyptian Queen Theme

Wigs, associated with Ancient Egyptian women, were used for hygiene purposes and were also considered beauty and status symbols. In the series, Madeline Usher is often seen with blunt bangs, similar to Cleopatra's hairstyle in both historical and pop-cultural representations. This further emphasizes Madeline's symbolic connection to royalty from the past. Considering the legend of Queen Twosret in "Fall of the House of Usher" and Roderick's mummification of his sister, the idea of Madeline wearing a wig strengthens her association with Egyptian queens.

Editor's P/S

Madeline Usher's wig in "The Fall of the House of Usher" is a fascinating symbol that adds depth to her character and the show's themes. The theory that connects her wig to her fascination with Ancient Egypt and Cleopatra is intriguing and well-supported by evidence from the series.

Madeline's wig can be seen as a representation of her desire to transcend her mortal existence and become something more. This is evident in her interest in Ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs about the afterlife, as well as her decision to never have children. The wig also serves as a connection to Cleopatra, a powerful and iconic figure who was known for her association with influential men and her refusal to submit to traditional gender roles.

Overall, the theory that Madeline's wig is linked to her Egyptian queen persona is a compelling one that enhances the show's themes of immortality, legacy, and the power of women.