Roderick Usher’s decision to bury his sister Madeline alive, despite their close bond, is rooted in a complex interplay of fear, madness, and a desperate desire to escape their family’s cursed legacy. Roderick, who is portrayed as being mentally and emotionally unstable, becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of death and the supernatural as their family’s history weighs heavily on him.
When Madeline falls into a cataleptic state, Roderick reaches a point where he fears her being interred in the ground would lead to her true death, particularly given the family’s past of premature burials. His motives can be seen as protective, but they also reflect his own deteriorating sanity. He perceives the act of entombing her as a way to preserve her, not recognizing that his actions are grounded in paranoia rather than love.
The close relationship they shared is overshadowed by the oppressive atmosphere of the Usher family home, which symbolizes decay and madness. Roderick’s choice to entomb Madeline rather than seeking help illustrates his desperate attempt to maintain control over a situation that is quickly spiraling out of his grasp. Ultimately, his actions lead to tragic consequences, revealing the profound effects of fear and isolation on the human psyche.