Symbols and Symbolism in The Mask of the Red Death

Symbolism in The Mask of the Red Death

Thesis: Poe uses symbolism to unfold this gripping tale of terror.

I. The first symbol in the story is the name of the Prince himself, Prince

Prospero.

II. The ebony clock is another major symbol within this tale.

III. The black room is the most prominent symbol in the story but is not

clear until the end.

The mood of this story is set as a description of the Red Death is laid out

for the reader. "The 'Red Death' had long devastated the country. No

pestilence had ever been so fatal, or hideous." (Poe 72) This disease left

scarlet stains upon it victims skin. Any victim of this disease was totally

shunned by his fellow man. The final throws of this " Red Death " were an

agonizing half hour of torment and seizure. Prince Prospero could no longer

bear witness to this, so in fear of his life he took himself one thousand

of his royal comrades and enough servants for all to a secluded abbey. He

was sure the seclusion from the Red Death would save his life. He was

wrong!

Poe uses his supporting character Prince Prospero, to show the wealth of

royalty in this story. This character's speaks of wealth and happiness.

Prospero's wealth was so vast that he was easily able to support one

thousand of his royal comrades, hundreds of servants, and a seemingly

endless number of parties. However, it is very ironic that the prince of

prosperity was the first to die. He was murdered by the main character of

the story "The Red Death" itself. I believe this was to show the reader

that one can not turn their back to society's problems without feeling the

effects. The giant ebony clock screamed with the symbolism of the group's

short amount of time left in this world. This clock had an over powering

chime every hour. The chime paused its victims with disconcert and

trepidation. This sound was so clear, and loud that it was heard by all,

and even the most joyous grew pale. In the end the clock died just as the

"Red Death" had taken its last victim, "And the life of the ebony clock

went out with that the last of the gay" (75).