Towards the middle of the story, Madeline, Usher's twin sister, appears ill and on the verge of giving in to the "prostrating power of her destroyer" (21). Ultimately, Usher gives the narrator the bad news that Madeline is dead and will be immediately placed in the family tomb until proper arrangements can be made. Later, it is revealed that Madeleine had been buried alive and Usher knew exactly what she had done. When the narrator confronted him about what he did to Madeline, Usher simply replied, "I don't feel it - yes, I feel it and I have felt it. I have felt it a long time, a long time, many minutes, for many hours, for many days, and yet I dared not speak...” (28) This abnormal response gives an idea of ​​how much Usher's thoughts control him; he let his twin sister remain in a coffin buried alive and did not absolutely nothing to save her. Poe attacks the way individuals become vulnerable in their eyes and forces readers to consider the negative aspects of the human condition. Although not at as intense a level as Usher, people let their thoughts define who they are and what they do. Insecurity, a problem that affects many teenagers and even adults, begins with the person's thoughts and self-esteem. Because of insecurity, many believe they are not capable of doing what they they love and that they should continue to do what their mind convinces them to do.