Edgar Allan Poe made Roderick and Madeline twins in The Fall of the House of Usher to emphasize the themes of duality, decay, and the interconnectedness of the Usher family. By making them twins, Poe underscores the idea that they are two halves of a single entity, both physically and spiritually. This duality is crucial to the story’s atmosphere and its exploration of the family’s decline.
Roderick and Madeline’s twin relationship symbolizes the inseparability of their fates. Their bond is so strong that when Madeline dies, Roderick’s mental and physical health deteriorates rapidly, leading to the ultimate collapse of the House of Usher. The twins’ connection also reflects the Gothic theme of the doppelgänger, where one character’s fate is mirrored by another, often leading to a tragic end.
Furthermore, making them twins adds to the story’s sense of inevitability and doom. The idea that they are not just siblings but twins suggests a deeper, almost supernatural connection, which heightens the tension and foreboding throughout the narrative. This choice by Poe enhances the story’s exploration of themes like family, identity, and the inescapable nature of fate.