Final answer:
In 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Edgar Allan Poe, the themes of a) the supernatural and b)guilt manifesting as disease are prominent. The story employs gothic elements and mirror reflections to represent the decay of the Usher family and the inevitability of doom.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher' is a story that captures vividly two major themes: the supernatural and guilt manifesting as disease. These themes are integral to the dark and ominous atmosphere that is synonymous with Poe's gothic literature style. The supernatural is evident through the eerie setting, the strange maladies afflicting the Usher family, and the bizarre events leading to the story's climax. Additionally, the theme of guilt manifesting as disease is seen in the ailments that both Roderick and Madeline suffer, symbolizing the decay and corruption of the Usher lineage.
Poe's narrative uses mirror images and reflections to intensify the mood of despair and fatalism. The deteriorating Usher mansion is not just a physical structure but also a reflection of the crumbling state of its inhabitants' minds and spirits. It stands as a metaphor for the inevitable decline and doom of the human condition, showcasing Poe's bleak worldview. These themes contribute significantly to the story's exploration of human psychology and the human condition, making it one of Poe's most profound and enduring works. The answer is option a and b.