How are the details of both Roderick's and Madeline's

illnesses important to the development of the plot?

A Their sicknesses reflect the decay of the estate and

their familial line.

B Madeline is near death, while Roderick's sensitivity

(or possible hypochondria) prevents him from leaving

the house, ensuring the end of their line.

Madeline's cataleptic condition leads to her early

burial, while Roderick's heightened senses forces him

to hear her struggle to break out of the tomb, driving

him mad.

D Madeline's weakened condition permits Roderick to

take advantage and kill her off, symbolically killing his

own illness/self, but his heightened senses send him

into madness over his guilt.