The Masque of The Red Death Essay

Mia Epting Epting 1
Ms. Woelke
Pre-AP English 9A
5 November 2018
“The Masque of the Red Death” Essay
Edgar Allan Poe writes the short story “The Masque of the Red Death,” providing an
example of an allegory through the use of symbolism. An allegory is a story that can be
interpreted to reveal a hidden message written by the author, sometimes through the use of
symbols. In Poe’s story, the literal meaning of the quote describes a murderer, who disrupts the
party and eventually massacres all of the guests. The allegorical lesson provided in his story
conveys the message that death reaches all eventually and is inescapable. Edgar Allan Poe uses
symbols within his story, such as the clock, the masked figure, and Prince Prospero to represent
the hidden allegorical message.
The first symbol used by Poe in his writing is a clock, representing the passing of time. In
the red velvet hallways of the palace, every time the clock strikes the hour, “for a moment, all is
still, and all is silent” (Poe 3). The nonmetaphorical description of this quote is that the chiming
of the clock disrupts the party and evokes fear within the guests. The figurative meaning
represents that at each strike of the clock, the death that the guests tried to escape, was nearing
closer and closer. Later in the story, came “yet another chiming of the clock,” and brings the
same terror to the individuals as felt before (Poe 2). This illustrates how the walls of the palace
could not stop death because death has no limitations. Once the guests realized that the chiming
wasn't just a clock striking the hour, but instead was a reminder that death was inching closer, a
silent fear arose. The clock thoroughly symbolizes the allegory through death drawing nearer as
time runs out.
Another symbol that Poe applies to this writing is the masked figure, which acts as the
Black Death or Bubonic Plague. The guests “acknowledged the presence” of the masked figure
as the black death, and how it “had come like a thief in the night”(Poe 5). This quote states that
the masked figure arrived, confronting the guests with the realization that death caught up to
them and was impossible to elude. Poe describes that the Black Plague didn't discriminate
against wealth and position, proving that the wealthy party-goers hiding was pointless. Their
celebration was interrupted when the masked figure abruptly kills the guests “and died each in
the despairing posture of his fall” (Poe 5). This quote exemplifies how the plague had no
preference for its victims, including those who hid behind their wealth. The Black Plague
imposed suffering on all, leading those who have it, to endure the most intolerable pain. Overall,
the masked figure symbolizes the black death and the wrath it brought.
Finally, Poe uses Prince Prospero to symbolize his wrong thoughts that money and power
can be used to escape the reality of death. Prince Prospero grew angry with the masked figures'
disruption of his masquerade, which led him to try to kill him. However, the dagger he tried to
use “dropped gleaming upon the sable carpet,” and instantaneously after he “fell prostrate in
death” (Poe 4). This shows how Prince Prospero perceived himself as powerful and almost even
indomitable but is proven wrong in his attempt to annihilate the masked intruder. Furthermore
justifying the fact that Prospero’s foolish view of how power can overrule death is false. Prince
Prospero also selfishly threw a masked ball “while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad”
diverting his company with “the most unusual magnificence” (Poe 1). Poe describes how Prince
Prospero thought that he could escape death with his wealth. Then, further on, shows off his
fortune and power to his invitees while others less fortunate were dying from the plague outside
the palace walls. Prince Prospero demonstrates the ideal symbol to reflect Poe’s overall
allegorical message.
To conclude, Edgar Allan Poe uses symbolism to illustrate his allegorical theme. He used
the clock, the masked figure, and Prince Prospero to additionally emphases his hidden meaning
that death can't be hidden. Readers learn Poe’s message and how symbolism provides a finer
description of a writer's hidden message. Allegorical messages can also introduce a new
historical event, such as the Bubonic Plague to the reader.

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Mia Epting Epting 1

“The Masque of the Red Death” Essay

the hidden allegorical message.

time runs out.

historical event, such as the Bubonic Plague to the reader.

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