Final answer:
The place and nature of Madeline's burial in "The Fall of the House of Usher" contribute to the story's gothic and fatalistic themes, symbolizing the intertwined fates of the characters and the inescapable grip of the past. The entombment within the house's vaults and the climactic escape mirror the narrative's horror elements and the decay of the Usher family.
Step-by-step explanation:
The place and nature of Madeline's burial in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" significantly contribute to the story's meaning, particularly in highlighting the themes of premature burial and death. The decision to entomb Madeline within the house's vaults reflects the character's physical and psychological entwinement and emphasizes the gothic atmosphere of the tale. The burial's setting reinforces the macabre and foreboding mood, illustrating the blurred lines between life and death, reality and superstition, which Poe is famous for. Moreover, the intentional entombing of Madeline alive by her brother Roderick adds a layer of horror and serves as a pivotal moment that leads to the ultimate downfall of the Usher family.
The burial scene is mirrored by the climactic moment when Madeline escapes her tomb, which is juxtaposed with a romance story being read aloud. This provides a symbolic reflection between the narrative and the actual events occurring, adding depth to the gothic elements and the fatalistic theme of the story. Lastly, the setting within the Usher family's home, which is characterized by decay and melancholy, is further highlighted by the burial, symbolizing the demise of the family lineage and the inescapable grip of the past.