The Masque Of Red Death Essay

Critical Analysis - The Masque of Red Death

In ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ by Edgar Allan Poe, the author uses symbolism and allegory to convey a theme of the inevitability of death. Throughout the entire story, the tone is grave and ominous. Everything in Poe’s story has a hidden deeper meaning behind it. Poe uses strategic diction and symbolism in order to foreshadow the dark ending and further develop the theme of mortality. Set in an isolated kingdom, the masque of red death is a morbid story of how a prince neglects his people, leading to a massive death toll. As plague runs wild in his kingdom, Prince Prospero hides in his castle and lets the people fend for themselves. A few months into his hiding, the prince throws a masquerade party in his castle, inviting one thousand people of high social standing. The party is hosted in a space consisting of seven different colored rooms, each color symbolizing something. When the clock strikes midnight, a mysterious guest appears to crash the party. This guest is the Red

This is apparent when Poe writes, “But the Prince Prospero was happy and dauntless and sagacious. When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends from among the knights and dames of his court, and with these retired to the deep seclusion of one of his castellated abbeys.” The word ‘dauntless’ is defined as showing fearlessness or determination. Prospero shows no fear of the Red Death, as if he feels invincible. When the plague dominates his Kingdom, the prince demonstrates his ignorance by partying and acting in a manner that is entirely oblivious to the situation. He would rather let his people die than risk himself by taking action. Prospero’s actions help convey the theme of foolishness and mortality in Poe’s story. Because of his attitude, Prospero and all of his people end up