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PLEASE USE THESE ESSAYS AND NOT THE ONES PRINTED ON THE TEST!!!!!

Choose one of the following essays. You may use the book when writing your essay.

1. In what ways are Roderick and Madeline Usher, and the house in which they live, alike? Are they healthy and lively, or dying and decaying? What are the reasons for their condition? Write a brief essay in which you compare the siblings and the house from "The Fall of the House of Usher."
2. Birds are often seen as symbols of hope and freedom. In what different way does Poe use the image of the Raven in his poem "The Raven"? Write a brief essay in which you state your opinion about the symbolic meaning of the bird in Poe's poem. Use at least two examples from the poem to support your opinion.
3. How does the setting of "The Fall of the House of Usher" create a mood of gloomy, Gothic fantasy? In a short essay, describe and discuss the landscape, the grounds, the house, and the weather. Include at least three specific details.
4. Thinking About the Essential Question: What is the relationship between literature and place? In much of his work, including both the story "The Fall of the House of Usher" and the poem "The Raven," Poe explored the often odd and disturbing boundaries between reality and dark fantasy. In an essay, discuss the combination of real-life and fantastic elements in the setting and events of either "The Fall of the House of Usher" or "The Raven." Consider how the interplay between reality and fantasy contributes to the overall impact and meaning of the work. Cite details from the selection to support your ideas.