The original tale

Poe's short story (1840) tells the tale of a decaying family in a decayed house: the skeletal mansion of the ancient line of Usher crumbling with the dynasty. Its last two descendants, Roderick and his twin sister Madeline, linked by a strong and ambiguous love, suffer from strange conditions which may be the result of a history of inbreeding. They are visited by an outsider, a long-lost friend, through whose gaze the extent of Usher's madness becomes clear. The condition and degree of Madeleine's agony, however, remains enigmatic and unknown. What is really wrong with Madeline? Is she buried alive? Death might only be the beginning…. Finally, while the Friend tries to dispel Roderick's gloom, Madeline arises in a trance and carries her brother to his death. The house itself splits asunder and sinks into the tarn.