The Mysterious Enigma of Verna: Unraveling the Tragic Story of The Fall Of The House Of Usher
Unravel the enigma of Verna, the ethereal presence plaguing the Usher family Discover her true nature, her relentless pursuit of the Ushers, and the chilling secrets she holds
This article contains spoilers for The Fall of the House of Usher.
Highlights
"The Fall of the House of Usher," directed by Mike Flanagan, offers a contemporary take on the timeless stories of Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation delves into the intricate dynamics of the Usher family, with a particular focus on their intriguing association with an enigmatic woman named Verna. Unveiling her true nature, Verna emerges as a supernatural being capable of transforming her appearance at will and crafting mesmerizing illusions. Furthermore, it becomes evident that she is the cause behind the tragic demise of Roderick's offspring.
The Ushers reached an agreement with Verna in 1980, following the murder of their boss. According to the agreement, their bloodline would cease to exist. Verna's subsequent killings are the realization of this pact.
As expected, in October, a new horror series by Mike Flanagan was released titled The Fall of the House of Usher. In this adaptation, the renowned horror master has brought Edgar Allan Poe's famous works into a contemporary setting. The series revolves around the wealthy Usher family, comprising Roderick, his twin sister Madeline, and his six children from multiple relationships. Roderick and Madeline have achieved success by establishing Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, where they have profited from the sale of a painkiller called Ligodone.
Who is Verna?
is faced with a haunting revelation as his offspring fall victim to a series of untimely demises. The enigma unfolds with the emergence of a woman, implicated in every fatal incident. In fact, it is she who initiates these tragedies. Yet, the questions remain; who is she and what drives her pursuit of the Usher family?
Introducing Verna, a woman who plays a crucial role in a pivotal scene during the New Year celebration of 1980. This particular night proved to be life-altering for Roderick and Madeline. As the twins enter the bar, a sense of tension fills the air. Coincidentally, Verna is working as the bartender that evening. Additionally, Roderick cannot help but notice a raven perched on a shelf in the corner.
Roderick and Madeleine engage in conversation with her, but they have ulterior motives. In private, Madeline emphasizes to Roderick the importance of being noticed and remembered by the patrons at the bar to establish a solid alibi. Consequently, they join Verna for a couple of drinks and discuss their New Year resolutions. However, if Verna is a bartender in 1980, how is she involved in murdering people in 2023?
Is Verna human?
Arthur Pym, Roderick's lawyer and trusted associate, uncovers a significant connection among the deaths of Roderick's children. Surprisingly, the common thread is none other than Verna, as visually demonstrated by Pym through a series of diverse photographs. These pictures capture Verna attending Prospero's party, working as a security guard at the location where Camille tragically passed away, and even showcasing her role as the woman from whom Leo adopts a cat. Portrayed brilliantly by Carla Gugino, Verna portrays distinct personas in each interaction.
The content continues. Pym presents additional internet photos showcasing Verna alongside numerous well-known figures, spanning various eras. Strangely, Verna maintains the exact same appearance in every picture, defying the aging process entirely.
This unequivocally reveals Verna's non-human nature. Possessing supernatural abilities, she possesses the capability to create illusions and even transform her physical form. The question arises: is she a demonic being? The devil himself? Or perhaps a deity? The series deliberately leaves this unanswered. However, a closer examination unveils a fascinating connection – the name "Verna" can be rearranged to form the word "Raven," which intriguingly aligns with one of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous poems. This poem, centered around a raven, recurs throughout Poe's acclaimed work "The Fall of the House of Usher," possibly symbolizing Verna's omnipresent and all-seeing nature. This nod to Poe's literary universe merely scratches the surface of the numerous tributes found in this Mike Flanagan adaptation.
Why is Verna after the Ushers?
In the final moments of the show, the truth about the events that took place in 1980 unfolds. Roderick and Madeleine are revealed to have committed a heinous act by murdering their employer at Fortunato Pharmaceuticals. This information is known by Verna.
Confronting them, Verna proposes a tempting offer: in exchange for fame and wealth, Roderick and Madeleine must accept that their bloodline will come to an end with them. Any children or grandchildren they may have will meet their demise alongside Roderick and Madeleine when they reach the end of their lives. Without much hesitation, both Roderick and Madeleine agree to Verna's proposition.
In the early morning hours, the twins exit the bar, only to discover that it has vanished, replaced by a graffitied brick wall featuring a raven spray painted at its apex. Over time, the memory of Verna and the pact they forged fades into the recesses of their minds. However, this changes with the onset of a series of killings. Madeline identifies Verna in the photographs, while Roderick remains in denial until he eventually confronts the truth - he fulfilled his end of the bargain, and now Verna has come to collect what is owed.
Verna's subsequent murders of the Usher family stem from her obligation to fulfill the terms of their agreement. The extent of the brutality, however, is contingent upon the nature of the individuals themselves. Each of the Usher children - Leo, Victorine, and the like - are self-indulgent, entitled, and misuse their authority in various ways. This can be seen through Leo's mistreatment of a cat or Victorine's exploitation of a vulnerable patient.
Verna provides Leo and Victorine with the choice to either adopt a needy cat or reveal the truth to their patient, but they both decline. The same goes for their other siblings. Consequently, Verna administers the necessary death. Meanwhile, Roderick's kind-hearted granddaughter Lenore is granted a peaceful and painless death due to her innocence. Ultimately, Verna's actions are not driven by revenge or karma, but rather by abiding by the agreed-upon terms. It is purely a business transaction.
