Which words from the text best describe the narrator's reaction to usher?

prevailing character of these features
any idea of simple humanity
feeble and futile struggles
startled and even awed

The best answer for this question would be:

“startled and even awed”

It comes from the line “conclusions deduced liquid, and luminous nervous agitation startled and even awed”, this line deeply describes the transition of the reaction.

The answer is: Startled and even awed.

In "The Fall of the House of Usher," by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator feels shocked and appalled at the sight of his friend Usher's face. He makes reference to his cadaverous appearance, and is impressed by Usher's unhealthy pale skin as well as by the radiance of his eyes.

explanation:

the silver bells of the sleds are merry and keep time in the winter nights while the sky twinkles happily. the golden bells of weddings are delightful in their peaceful happiness, foretelling a rapturous future. meanwhile, the brazen alarm bells scream frightfully in the night, with a discordant and desperate sound. in their clamor, these bells convey terror, horror, and anger. finally, the iron bells are solemn and melancholy, while those in the church steeple are like ghouls who feel happiness. the king of the ghouls, who rings the bells, cheerfully keeps time with the moaning and groaning bells.

"the sandy walls seemed to collapse in on themselves"

and

"the bloodshot waters seemed to have no bottom"