The Fall of the House of Usher
By Edgar Allan Poe  Shaking off what must have been a dream, I scanned more narrowly the real aspect of the building. Its principal feature seemed to be that of an excessive antiquity. The discoloration of ages had been great. Minute fungi overspread the whole exterior, hanging in a fine tangled web-work from the eaves. Yet all this was apart from any extraordinary dilapidation. No portion of the masonry had fallen; and there appeared to be a wild inconsistency between its still perfect adaptation of parts, and the crumbling condition of the individual stones. In this there was much that reminded me of the specious totality of old wood-work which has rotted for long years in some neglected vault, with no disturbance from the breath of the external air. Beyond this indication of extensive decay, however, the fabric gave little token of instability. Perhaps the eye of a scrutinizing observer might have discovered a barely perceptible fissure, which, extending from the roof of the building in front, made its way down the wall in a zigzag direction, until it became lost in the sullen waters of the tarn.  Read this line from The Fall of the House of Usher:  Beyond this indication of extensive decay, however, the fabric gave little token of instability.   What does this line imply about what the theme of the story may be?
A) Appearances may be deceiving.
B) Ultimately, beauty can be destructive.
C) Dreams seldom come to more than disillusion.
D) Those who build on unstable ground may regret it.

[LC]  Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Infamy Speech
December 8, 1941  "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.   The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.  It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.  The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.  The speaker begins by
A) showing his interest in further peace talks
B) expressing sympathy for the Japanese people
C) predicting the future of the war efforts
D) describing Japan's betrayal

1 - According to the reader, there were no apparent signs of instability beyond waht could be seen: discoloration of ages, fungi and spider webs, but the foundations and masonry appeared to be solid. However, as we see at the end of the story, the house collapses in a way that parallels the Usher dynasty.

2 - The speaker begins by describing Japan's betrayal by marking that day as " a date which will live in infamy." He goes on to describe this treason by asserting that the attack took place while the US was still in conversation with the Emperor in order to keep peace in the Pacific, and that these conversations were solicited by Japan.