What Does The Ebony Clock Symbolize

“The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe is a story about the red death, terror, and death. Within the story, there are many ways symbolism is shown. One of the main ways this story shows symbolism is the ebony clock. The ebony clock is located in the black room, meaning that the clock could symbolize death, as well as life because of the chimes that happen every hour.

The ebony clock represents life in the story. Poe explains that the clock chimes every hour, and when it does, everyone in the castle stops what they are doing and nervously stares. Everyone knew what the clock meant. It meant that death was arriving sooner rather than later. In the story, Poe says, “…the time that flies.” which shows that time flies by fast and death

is near. Furthermore, this shows that Poe was giving the reader hints about what’s to come in the story, such as a death. Also, the fact that the clock is in the black room should alert readers to associate the black room with the clock (black and red usually define blood and death).
The ebony clock doesn’t only symbolize death, but it also symbolizes life. Every time the clock ticks, it represents a minute of their life either wasted or fulfilled with happiness. It reminds them of the world around them and that they should appreciate life while they still have it because the clock is their timer for life. In the story it says, “…while the chimes of the clock yet rang, it was overserved the giddiest grew pale…” This shows that they knew what was coming because they were all getting worried for what is yet to come. Therefore, they knew their lives were a ticking time bomb and that they needed to enjoy the night while it lasts.
At the end of the night, the ebony clock rings one last time. The text says,” And the life of the ebony clock went out with that of the last gay.” That was the last time the clock chimed after everyone died. Everyone had some sense of this happening because they froze every time the clock chimed. This means they all died but had many warnings throughout the night and should’ve seen this coming. The clock was in the black room which should hint something was going to happen because of the place it was in, but also because the clock represents death.