Analysis of the Gothic Aesthetics of "The Fall of the House of Usher" from Spatial Narrative

Abstract

Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" is a classic Gothic novel that has captivated readers for decades. The story presents an unforgettable atmosphere of terror and suspense and has distinct spatial characteristics. Influenced by the Western narrative theory of "spatial turn," the concept of "spatial narrative" emerged in China in the late 20th century and has become a hot topic in literary and narrative studies. Based on the spatial narrative theories of Frank, Chatman, and Zoran, this paper will analyze and interpret the work "The Fall of the House of Usher" from three aspects: topographical space, chronotopic space, and textual space. The analysis reveals the positive role of spatial narrative in the development of the novel's plot, the shaping of character imagery, and the revelation of the character's inner thoughts, making readers feel the novel's unique Gothic aesthetics. This research hopes to provide a new perspective on the study of Edgar Allan Poe's works and offer new materials for developing spatial narrative studies.