Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Fall of the House of Usher.
Summary
"The Fall of the House of Usher" weaves together different Edgar Allan Poe stories and poems to craft a haunting narrative exploring themes of morality, grief, guilt, and mortality.
Navigating the show's use of multiple timelines may pose a challenge, but a detailed examination of the chronology can assist viewers in unraveling the complexities of the story.
The fate of the Usher siblings unfolds in the climactic moments of the 1979 timeline, where their desperate actions to protect their own interests result in betrayal and murder.
Netflix's The Fall of the House of Usher skillfully weaves together multiple Edgar Allan Poe short stories and poems, creating a captivating and suspenseful storyline. With its exploration of morality, grief, repressed guilt, and mortality, this series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. While some of its individual story arcs may not be as impactful, the overall strength lies in its ability to connect these narratives to the overarching plot.
The Fall Of The House Of Usher's 1953 Flashbacks Explained
: Enhancing Emotional Depth and Story Complexity: Unraveling the Intricacies of Mike Flanagan's The Fall of the House of UsherThe story of Roderick and Madeline Usher in The Fall of the House of Usher dates back to 1953. It begins with their mother, Eliza, starting her employment under Mr. Longfellow, the head of Fortunato. Despite Eliza's warnings to stay away from Longfellow's residence, the twins' curiosity frequently led them to scale his compound wall and uncover more about him. While the story does not directly state whether Eliza informs her children about their connection with Longfellow, it suggests that he is their father but wants no involvement with them.
The Fall Of The House Of Usher's 1962 Flashback Explained
In 1962, tragedy strikes when Eliza falls gravely ill and refuses medical assistance. Despite her illness, Eliza clings to her faith while Roderick and Madeline attempt to enlist Longfellow's help in persuading their mother to seek medical attention. To their disappointment, Longfellow denies their request and insults them for suggesting their mother's affection for him. Eventually, Eliza succumbs to her unidentified disease (later identified as CADASIL in The Fall of the House of Usher), leaving Roderick and Madeline utterly alone.
Recognizing that Eliza had only them to rely on, Roderick and Madeline construct a makeshift coffin and lay their mother to rest in their backyard. However, to their astonishment, she emerges from the grave, endangering young Roderick before realizing her purpose. Subsequently, she proceeds to Longfellow's residence and strangles him to death before collapsing lifelessly herself.
What Happens In The Fall Of The House Of Usher's 1979 Timeline
The 1979 timeline provides a gripping depiction of the pivotal moments that determined the fates of Roderick and Madeline. It delves into the challenges and hardships they faced before ultimately securing positions in Fortunato. With Rufus Griswold now leading the company, Roderick becomes a tool for profit generation, while a young Auguste Dupin uncovers disturbing information about the deadly consequences of a Fortunato drug.
Initially, Roderick appears to take the ethical path by assisting Dupin in gathering evidence against Fortunato's unethical practices. However, he ultimately betrays Dupin by dismissing all accusations against the company. On New Year's Eve in 1979, Griswold warmly welcomes Madeline and Roderick, assuring them that their efforts to uphold Fortunato's reputation will be recognized. Unbeknownst to him, Madeline and Roderick have other intentions. They lure him to an underground construction site, where they entomb him behind a wall of bricks before casually moving on to a different establishment.
As the hands of Father Time strike 12 and the dates on the calendars change, Verna strikes a deal with the Usher siblings. She boldly promises that, if Roderick is willing to sacrifice his bloodline, she will guarantee them an abundance of riches and luxuries, shielding them from the repercussions of ending Griswold's life. Lost in the fog of their New Year's resolutions and aspirations, the twins easily succumb to temptation and, in the years that ensue, they almost brush off the encounter as a mere figment of their imagination.
When The Fall Of The House Of Usher's Present Timeline Is Set (& How Much Time Passes)
In 2023, reality swiftly catches up when Verna effortlessly fulfills her part of the agreement. While The Fall of the House of Usher dedicates eight episodes to unravel the events of that year, Verna efficiently eliminates the entire Usher family bloodline within a matter of weeks. By inflicting severe consequences on Perry for his actions on November 9, Verna proceeds to swiftly deal with Roderick's firstborn son, Frederick, on November 18.
Following Fredrick's passing, Roderick Usher confesses his atrocities to Dupin at his childhood residence. Shortly thereafter, the consequences of Roderick and Madeline's agreement with Verna culminate in Madeline murdering Roderick, leading to the complete destruction of the ancestral House of Usher. Consequently, Mike Flanagan's The Fall of the House of Usher concludes its narrative timeline, spanning almost seven decades, while captivating audiences.