The Tragic Secret Behind Madeline's Childless Fate in The Fall of the House of Usher

WARNING: Major spoilers for The Fall of the House of Usher.

Summary

In The Fall of the House of Usher, Madeline's decision to obtain an IUD reflects her deep consideration for the welfare of her future offspring, whereas her brother Roderick exhibits a callous disregard for his own children. Roderick's decision to expand his family, despite being aware of their imminent tragic destinies, is deemed as both self-centered and merciless, effectively emphasizing his avaricious and malevolent character.

Madeline's decision not to have children serves as a deliberate effort to avoid future suffering, amplifying the disgust towards Roderick's selfish behavior.

In The Fall of the House of Usher, Madeline Usher (Mary McDonnell) consciously chose not to have any children for morally sound reasons. The story revolves around the sinister pact that both Madeline and Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood) entered into with the diabolical Raven character, portrayed brilliantly by Carla Gugino. Consequently, both Roderick and Madeline attained great power, recognition, and success through their leadership positions at the pharmaceutical company Fortunato, which they acquired through the ruthless murder of the morally bankrupt Rufus Griswold (Michael Trucco), the former CEO.

Madeline Got An IUD To Prevent Children & Save Them From Gruesome Fates

Madeline's decision to get an IUD in The Fall of the House of Usher showcases her greater concern for her future loved ones compared to Roderick. Having agreed to a pact with Roderick and the Raven many years ago, Madeline was already childless and did not exhibit a strong inclination towards motherhood. Her limited interactions with Roderick's eldest children, Frederick and Tamerlane, during their early years hint at Madeline's lack of genuine enthusiasm for having children of her own.

Even at the time the Usher siblings entered into the agreement in 1979, Madeline acknowledged to Roderick that he had more factors to consider than she did because he had children and she did not. Regardless, Roderick consciously condemned all of his offspring to premature deaths, attributing it to a "done deal" with minimal hesitation. Later, Roderick would rationalize his choice by framing it as a philosophical dilemma between a shorter life as a king or a longer existence filled with depression and agony. Roderick decisively made his decision, while Madeline, though initially cautious, ultimately joined him in this diabolical pact.

Madeline Keeping Herself From Having Children Turns Roderick Into A Worse Villain

Madeline's character revelation suggests that she possesses less sadistic tendencies compared to her brother Roderick. Unlike Roderick, who already had children when he made the deal and continued to have more, his decision seems retrospectively selfish, cruel, and pointless considering the haunted curse that befell them all. Consequently, Roderick often exhibits contempt and disinterest towards his own children, for he denies himself the opportunity to wholeheartedly love them, knowing it would ultimately amount to nothing. In contrast, Madeline intentionally refrains from having children to shield them from the inevitable pain and suffering they would endure, further highlighting Roderick's treacherous persona in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher."