Question

The Fall of the House of Usher

by Edgar Allan Poe (excerpt)
Shaking off from my spirit what must have been a dream, I scanned more narrowly the real aspect of the building. Its principal feature seemed to be
that of an excessive antiquity. The discoloration of ages had been great. Minute fungi overspread the whole exterior, hanging in a fine tangled web-
work from the eaves. Yet all this was apart from any extraordinary dilapidation. No portion of the masonry had fallen; and there appeared to be a wild
inconsistency between its still perfect adaptation of parts, and the crumbling condition of the individual stones. In this there was much that reminded
me of the specious totality of old wood-work which has rotted for long years in some neglected vault, with no disturbance from the breath of the
external air. Beyond this indication of extensive decay, however, the fabric gave little token of instability. Perhaps the eye of a scrutinizing observer
might have discovered a barely perceptible fissure, which, extending from the roof of the building in front, made its way down the wall in a zigzag
direction, until it became lost in the sullen waters of the tarn.
Which key convention of Gothic literature is found in this passage?
A. Supernatural and baffling events
B. Entrapment and confinement
C. Brooding Villains
D. Eerie structures

Answer 1

Answer: D. Eerie structures.

Explanation: The excerpt from "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe describes the appearance of the titular house, emphasizing its excessive antiquity, extensive decay, and wild inconsistency. These details evoke a sense of unease and establish the key convention of Gothic literature found in the passage, which is eerie structures.