The Fall of the House of Usher: Why does Frederick paralyze Morelle?

In the episode "Goldbug" of The Fall of the House of Usher, Frederick continues to torture Morelle, his wife. He is plagued by a growing paranoia about her alleged infidelity and refuses to accept the reality of the horrors that have befallen his family. During conversations with Lenore, Frederick tries to convince himself that everything is fine because his deceased siblings were not "true" Ushers. He assures Lenore that the doctors will come to check on Morelle soon and that she will be alright.However, behind Lenore's back, Frederick exhibits a complete disregard for Morelle's well-being. In fact, he administers a paralyzing medication to keep her from recovering and torments her with relentless inquiries about her supposed affair with Prospero. It becomes evident that Frederick is not mentally sound either. With Tamerlane's recent death, he no longer believes that being a full-blooded Usher offers any sort of protection.Frederick's torment of Morelle serves as a reflection of his deteriorating mental state. He is driven by his own insecurities and delusions, finding solace in blaming Morelle for his family's misfortunes. By inflicting psychological pain upon her, Frederick seeks a sense of control in a world that seems to be crumbling around him. His actions reveal a desperate attempt to maintain a semblance of power and stability, even though his methods are cruel and unjust.Moreover, Frederick's mistreatment of Morelle underscores the recurring theme of madness within the Usher family. As the episode explores the question of what madness truly is, Frederick becomes a prime example of how one's own mental instability can manifest in harmful ways. His distorted perception of reality leads him to view Morelle as a threat, someone who must be punished for the supposed betrayal. In this twisted mindset, Frederick justifies his actions as a means of protecting himself and his family, even if it means subjecting his own wife to suffering.Ultimately, "Goldbug" portrays Frederick as a tragic figure consumed by his own demons. His torment of Morelle is a reflection of his own inner turmoil and descent into madness. As the series unfolds, it remains to be seen how these actions will play out in the larger narrative and whether Frederick will face the consequences of his destructive behavior. The episode invites audiences to reflect on the nature of madness and the lengths individuals may go to in order to cope with their own demons.