Unveiling the Untold: The Hidden Edgar Allan Poe Story That Escaped Usher Fans' Attention

This article contains spoilers for The Fall of the House of Usher.

Highlights

"The Fall of the House of Usher" on Netflix is an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's literary works, which includes his renowned tale "The Cask of Amontillado."

"The Cask of Amontillado" narrates the story of a man who, driven by a deep desire for vengeance against someone who had offended him, orchestrates a bone-chilling murder within a concealed chamber.

The Fall of the House of Usher, the latest horror series on Netflix by creator Mike Flanagan, cleverly incorporates references to Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" into the storyline of its characters, creating an unsettling and chilling atmosphere. This series, like Flanagan's previous works in the genre, draws inspiration from literary works, and who better to pay homage to than the master of macabre himself, Edgar Allan Poe. In this captivating tale of Roderick Usher, a successful pharmaceutical CEO, and his immensely wealthy family, Flanagan skillfully weaves together various stories and poems written by Poe.

Seasoned fans of the author will recognize his stories in the titles of episodes two to seven. The first and last ones reference the writer's famous poem, The Raven. Additionally, The Fall of the House of Usher is the title of a Poe story, which serves as a framing device for the series as Roderick narrates the tale of his life to Assistant U.S. attorney, Auguste Dupin. However, there is one short story that fans of the show might have missed — "The Cask of Amontillado".

What is the story of “The Cask of Amontillado”?

The Cask of Amontillado commences with a lingering grudge. Montresor, a man of noble stature, asserts that he has been deeply offended by a fellow nobleman named Fortunato. In his quest for retribution against the verbal injuries inflicted upon him, Montressor formulates an elaborate scheme. During the revelry of the carnival season, he entices an inebriated Fortunato to authenticate a rare and highly sought-after wine called Amontillado. Together, they descend into the labyrinthine catacombs beneath Montressor's residence, all the while Fortunato indulging in ever-escalating amounts of wine.

In the depths of the catacombs, Fortunato ventures into a niche in search of the Amontillado. Seizing the opportunity, Montressor exploits his vulnerability, chaining him to the wall. With stone and mortar concealed nearby, he methodically builds a wall around the niche. Fortunato's pleas for release fall on deaf ears as Montressor continues the task. Amidst screams, laughter, and desperate pleas, Fortunato is entombed behind the wall. Eventually, his responses cease, leaving only the faint sound of jingling bells. Years later, Montressor reveals the lasting silence, as the untouched niche stands as a haunting testament to their fateful encounter.

Renowned as one of Edgar Allan Poe's finest works, "The Cask of Amontillado" earns its place within the broader narrative of The Fall of the House of Usher, thanks to its unsettling and captivating storyline.

When does The Fall of the House of Usher refer to “The Cask of Amontillado”?

If the name Fortunato sounds familiar, it's because it is. In "The Fall of the House of Usher," it serves as the foundation of Roderick Usher's triumph - his business, Fortunato Pharmaceuticals. Initially, the company belonged to their father; however, as illegitimate children, Roderick and Madeline had no rightful claim to it. Following their father's passing, Rufus Griswold assumes the role of CEO, and Roderick continues to face neglect.

The series of events involving Roderick, Madeline, and Rufus Griswold mirror the plot of "The Cask of Amontillado." Over time, Griswold appropriates Roderick's ideas without offering any recognition or benefit. Nevertheless, Roderick manages to achieve a victory by ensuring that an investigation into the company's corruption takes an unfavorable turn. On New Year's Eve in 1979, Roderick and Madeline commemorate this triumph with Griswold, who will once again steal credit for Roderick's work. They raise a glass of wine, specifically Amontillado, as a toast to their success.

Madeline then entices a heavily intoxicated Rufus and tempts him into descending into the partially built basement of the newly constructed Fortunato building. Subsequently, he becomes too incapacitated to ambulate and eventually loses consciousness. Upon awakening, Roderick and Madeline have shackled both of his hands to sturdy pipes, proceeding to employ brick and mortar in an endeavor to confine him within a solid wall. Despite his threats and pleas for mercy, their determination remains unswayed. Madeline discloses that she has surreptitiously introduced cyanide into his beverage, ensuring that he will not survive until morning. Consequently, Roderick will ascend as the esteemed CEO.

But there are a few key differences

The usage of various intricate details from "The Cask of Amontillado" in The Fall of the House of Usher deviates from the expected norm. Surprisingly, these parallels serve to illustrate why Edgar Allan Poe's literary works were chosen by Mike Flanagan for his adaptation. Notably, while Rufus meets his demise through poisoning, Fortunato is left to gradually succumb to death - be it due to a lack of air, sustenance, or water.

At the New Year’s Eve party, Rufus wears a jester's costume, complete with a clown's mask and bells. In the short story, Fortunato also wears the same attire. As the story progresses, Fortunato's screams fade away, leaving only the sound of the bells for Montressor to hear. However, Roderick continues to hear the bells long after the murder, finally facing the consequences of his actions.

Another interesting detail is Fortunato's insistence on authenticating the wine mentioned in the original source. When Montressor suggests consulting another man named Luchesi, Fortunato confidently claims that Luchesi lacks the ability to distinguish between sherry and Amontillado. Ironically, Amontillado is actually a type of sherry, revealing Fortunato's lack of knowledge about wine.

In The Fall of the House of Usher, it is Madeline, not Rufus, who surprisingly makes the same comment. Roderick and Madeline, who are credited with the company's success, represent the true soul of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals. Although they may assume the role of Montressor, their destiny mirrors that of the latter. When Roderick's children start dying and they realize their own impending demise, the twins find themselves equally imprisoned like the original Fortunato.