The Untold Link between House of Usher’s Last Surprise and Edgar Allan Poe’s Forgotten Rivalry

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for The Fall of the House of Usher.

Summary

"The Fall of the House of Usher" on Netflix is inspired by the real-life feud between Edgar Allan Poe and Rufus Wilmot Griswold. Griswold, a contentious anthologist, relentlessly criticized and slandered Poe, which eventually resulted in his own undoing.

The conflict between Michael Trucco's character and Zach Gilford's Roderick Usher in the show reflects the turbulent relationship between Poe and Griswold. The final twist in The Fall of the House of Usher is much darker than it initially appears, as it alludes to a 180-year-old rivalry between Edgar Allan Poe and Griswold. While on the surface it may seem like just another miniseries exploring the moral decay and downfall of the wealthy, The Fall of the House of Usher demonstrates profound thematic depth by incorporating references to various Poe poems and short stories.

Michael Trucco's Rufus Wilmot Griswold Is Based On A Real Poet

Rufus Wilmot Griswold, portrayed by Micheal Trucco in The Fall of the House of Usher, is a character with a namesake inspired by the real-life Rufus Griswold. In the Netflix horror show, Griswold is depicted as the head of a pharmaceutical company called Fortunato. However, the original Rufus Griswold was an American anthologist, critic, and editor who collaborated with Edgar Allan Poe. He made a significant impact in the literary world with the release of his first American poetry anthology, The Poets and Poetry of America, in 1842. This anthology featured the works of over 80 authors, including the renowned Edgar Allan Poe.

However, despite garnering a significant amount of positive attention in the years that followed, Griswold's erratic and vindictive behavior made him a controversial figure in the literary world. While many authors aspired to be featured in his increasingly popular anthologies, there were openly expressed doubts about his character. Over time, diverse opinions about Griswold emerged, with some praising his literary research while others condemning his unpleasant disposition. Beneath this surface, a darker side of the anthologist came to light when he engaged in a series of public feuds with Edgar Allan Poe.

Rufus Wilmot Griswold Was Edgar Allan Poe's Biggest Critic & Rival

The conflict between Rufus Wilmot Griswold and Edgar Allan Poe originated when the anthologist included three of Poe's poems in his work, The Poets and Poetry of America. Poe criticized Griswold's choice of featured authors, expressing a particular concern regarding the inclusion of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's works. This stemmed from Poe's previous accusations of plagiarism against Longfellow. Moreover, Poe disparaged Griswold's book, asserting that it prioritized publishing poetry from Griswold's acquaintances rather than promoting truly exceptional poems. As tensions heightened, Griswold assumed the role of editor at Graham's Magazine after Poe's resignation, receiving a higher salary, further exacerbating the animosity between the two writers.

Edgar Allan Poe and Rufus Griswold never resolved their issues, and even after Poe's death in 1849, Griswold persisted in defaming the renowned horror author. Not only did he oversee the editing and publication of a collection of Poe's works, but he also wrote a biographical sketch filled with unfounded allegations, such as Poe being plagued by drug addiction. While Griswold had previously established himself as a trailblazer in the literary world, playing a vital role in incorporating American poetry into school curriculums, his reprehensible efforts to tarnish Edgar Allan Poe's reputation ultimately led to his own downfall. In contrast, Poe achieved immortality through the timeless power of his words.

How Fall Of Usher Draws Inspiration From Griswold & Poe's Rivalry

The Fall of the House of Usher, a Netflix production, appears to find inspiration in the real-life feud between Griswold and Poe, depicting a similar clash between Michael Trucco's character and Zach Gilford's Roderick Usher. Just like Poe and Griswold, these two characters in The Fall of the House of Usher have a highly contentious professional relationship right from the start. As time passes, their rivalry intensifies and their deep-seated hostility ultimately becomes the defining factor of their connection.

In January 1843, a review in the Philadelphia Saturday Museum pondered the fate of Griswold's anthologies. They speculated that he would be forgotten, remembered only by those he had harmed and offended. They believed he would fade into obscurity, leaving no trace of his existence. Alternatively, if he were spoken of in the future, he would be remembered as the unfaithful servant who had betrayed the trust placed in him. Although the review was anonymous, it was widely speculated that Edgar Allan Poe was the author. The review perfectly captured the essence of Poe's poem The City in the Sea, which not only served as a fitting allegory for Griswold's downfall but also highlighted the inevitable downfall and disappearance of the Usher family in The Fall of the House of Usher.