Read the following two descriptions of the same setting. Oh, and by the way, the Usher referenced in the
story is not the modern singer/performer!
#1 It was on an autumn day while I was horseback riding down a road that I first saw the House of Usher.
At first glimpse, the house gave me the creeps. It was a gloomy looking house for it was run down and
vacant. I was so freaked out by the house’s appearance, and yet I couldn’t figure out exactly why I felt so
scared. I wondered what was up with this house called the House of Usher.
#2 During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung
oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary
tract of country, and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the
melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was- but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of
insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit. I looked upon the scene before me—upon the mere house, and
the simple landscape features of the domain—upon the bleakest of walls, upon the vacant eye-like
windows—upon a few rank sedges—upon a few white trunks of decayed trees—with an utter depression
of soul. There was an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of heart. What was it—I paused to think—what was it
that so unnerved me in the contemplations of the House of Usher?
Why is the description of the House of Usher in #2 more effective than the description in #1?
Underline words/phrases in the second passage that help to create an image in your mind.
Which descriptive phrase or sentence from #2 is most effective?
Why? Be specific in your explanation.
Now, read the following description of a setting.
That cabin has always meant a lot to me. It was located at the base of the mountain. In springtime, it was
surrounded by trees in full bloom. In the fall, it was covered in orange and red leaves. When winter came,
the cabin peeked out from the snow. We spent many nights there, making sweet memories together as a
family.
Now rewrite the description of the setting using what you know about show vs. tell and imagery. Paint a
picture of the scene in my mind.
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