The Tragic Destiny of Madeline's House of Usher: A Shocking Scene Realizes Her Worst Nightmare

Article Overview

Madeline Usher's death meant she never fulfilled her potential after making a deal with Verna. Despite being an interesting character, fate wasted her most shocking scene.

Madeline's fear of depending on and being overshadowed by men became a reality. Despite her wealth and influence, she remained in a subordinate position as VP at Fortunado, while Roderick ascended to the role of CEO.

In a poignant turn of events, Madeline's death served a greater purpose as she ultimately took the life of Roderick, seeking vengeance for their family. In doing so, she brought down a formidable figure who happened to be her own brother.

Madeline Usher's destiny is tragically squandered in The Fall of the House of Usher, as her ultimate fear ultimately becomes reality. Mike Flanagan's limited series delves into the ramifications of greed, power, and wealth. The narrative revolves around the Faustian pact struck by Madeline (portrayed by Mary McDonnell) and Roderick Usher (played by Bruce Greenwood) with the demonic Verna, skillfully portrayed by Carla Gugino, in their relentless pursuit of their wildest dreams. The series consistently showcases Madeline and Roderick's willingness to go to extreme lengths to preserve their social standing and riches.

As Mike Flanagan's final endeavor with Netflix, The Fall of the House of Usher unquestionably delivers. Drawing inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe's eponymous short story, it harnesses a tried-and-true formula comprising horror, suspense, character-driven plotlines, and an ensemble cast consisting of actors previously collaborated with by Flanagan. Renowned for his work on other Netflix horror series such as Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Midnight Club, Flanagan's characters grapple with the consequences of their actions, resulting in the demise of every member in the Usher family tree by the series' conclusion after its eight-episode run.

Madeline's Death Meant She Never Fulfilled Her Potential After Verna's Deal

Verna Had Noticed Her Potential

In the last episode of The Fall of the House of Usher, Madeline Usher's death highlighted her unfulfilled potential post her agreement with Verna. While the other members of the Usher family had already met their demise, Madeline failed to reach her true capabilities, which Verna had recognized from the start. Prior to her deal with Verna, Madeline, who was undoubtedly one of the most captivating characters, executed a remarkable feat by eliminating Rufus Griswold, the CEO of Fortunado, enabling them to seize control of the company. Unfortunately, fate squandered her most astonishing moment.

In regard to the Fall of the House of Usher fan theory that suggests Madeline made her own pact, it is important to note that the majority of her strategic actions occurred prior to any such agreement. She orchestrated the placement of Roderick as a reliable employee within the esteemed Fortunado corporation, positioning him as the successor to Rufus. Without any hesitation, she viciously eliminated him by burying him alive within the future headquarters' basement. Despite her commanding presence, Madeline is somewhat disregarded in the current timeline. It is mentioned that she had a joint venture with Lenore and artificial intelligence in progress, but this endeavor was never intended as a power play, and remains unfinished.

Madeline's Fear Of Relying On & Standing In The Shadow Of Men Came True In House Of Usher's Ending

Madeline Couldn't Escape Her Worst Fear

Madeline Usher's worst fear became a reality despite her desires. In episode 8 of "The Fall of the House of Usher," titled "The Raven," Madeline expresses her disgust in relying on a man before striking a deal with Verna. Regrettably, Madeline never fully realized her potential and witnessed her apprehension of depending on a man and living in their shadow come true in the conclusion of "The Fall of the House of Usher." Despite possessing wealth and influence, Madeline remained second best as the VP at Fortunado, while Roderick ascended to the position of CEO.

However, it should be noted that despite not surpassing Roderick in power, Madeline's death served a significant purpose. After her mother's resurrection to exact revenge on William Longfellow, the influential former CEO of Fortunato who was also the biological father of the Usher twins, Madeline followed suit. In the concluding events of The Fall of the House of Usher, she resurfaces adorned with sapphire eyes, claiming the life of Roderick before both siblings meet their demise beneath the remnants of their ancestral abode. Madeline's act also takes down a powerful individual—a betrayal of her own flesh and blood, her brother.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about Madeline Usher's tragic destiny in "The Fall of the House of Usher." On one hand, I find it frustrating that her potential was never fully realized, and that she ultimately became trapped by the very thing she feared most: dependence on men. On the other hand, I appreciate the way her story highlights the dangers of greed and ambition, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Madeline Usher is a complex and fascinating character. She is intelligent, ambitious, and ruthless. She is also deeply afraid of being overshadowed by men. This fear is understandable, given the patriarchal society in which she lives. However, it is also this fear that ultimately leads to her downfall.

When Madeline makes a deal with Verna, she is essentially selling her soul in exchange for power and wealth. She knows that this deal will come at a price, but she is willing to pay it. However, she underestimates the true cost of her ambition.

In the end, Madeline Usher is destroyed by the very thing she sought to control. She becomes a prisoner of her own fear, and she is unable to escape the shadow of men. Her story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and ambition, and the importance of staying true to oneself.