The Masque of the Red Death

A detailed Summary of The Masque of the Red Death

Poe uses heavy symbolism throughout the story to convey his underlying theme: the

inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape death. The prince's name, Prospero,

generally denotes happiness and prosperity. The Prince possesses these characteristics yet is

faced with a plague that he desperately attempting to avoid. This oxymoron is used to hint

that this man of exuberance will soon be faced with tragedy.

The fires in each of the suite rooms serve as a representation of death. Poe depicts

them to be "a heavy tripod, bearing a brazier of fire that projected its rays through tinted

glass...But in the western or black chamber, the effect of the firelight upon the dark hangings

through the blood tinted panes was ghastly in the extreme, and produced so wild a look upon

the countenances of those who enter it that there are few...bold enough to set foot within it".

The description is meant to produce a mysterious atmosphere in the west in contrast to a

the end of a day and darkness. Poe uses the element of darkness as a visual representation of

The significance of the seventh room is apparent throughout the entire story. Black

and all of the revelers momentarily cease their celebrating. It is as though each hour is

This is an obvious reference to the "Red Death". When the masked "Red death" makes his

Significantly, the appearance of the "Red Death" at midnight is propitious and symbolic.

fleeting of life and time, and the nearness of death, Poe reminds the reader that between the

passing of time in life. Every time the clock strikes the hour, the musicians quit playing

cannot be predicted. It is undetectable; a matter disguised as a variety of things in which its

usually symbolizes death, and it tends to be used in connection with death. Furthermore, in

victims are unable to escape from. Death is superior to all defying powers and can overcome

blood color." The relationship between blood and death is an essential aspect be

Approximate Word count = 686
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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