On the literal level, Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the
Red Death" is a tale of terror that has as its setting a terrible plague that leaves red
stains on its victims. The very wealthy and influential Prince Prospero, like the other
residents of the area, fears the deadly disease. So, he and members of his court
sequester themselves in one of his old castles that is a "strong and lofty
structure" where they remain for several months. Finally, the prince decides to have a
masquerade ball, a fete popular for his times.
Each room is
decorated in different colors. Thus, each room represents a stage of a person's life.
There are arabesque figures, representing the delusionary aspect of the room. The last
room is decorated with black tapestries with red staining the windows. Recognizing the
significance of the colors, the guests are afraid to enter the black room. This final
chamber has another haunting aspect: a huge ebony clock strikes on the hour, causing
the celebratory guests to pause. When this clock sounds twelve strokes, an unwanted
guest enters this room himself, disguised with a heavy cape. Incensed that such a guest
as the hideous one in the black cape should have the effrontery to enter his castle,
Prince Prospero accosts him with his sword raised. Suddenly, the weapon falls to the
ground, as Prospero has entered the room of death. He falls victim to the Red Death
that he has sought to barricade from his and his guests'
revelries.
As an allegory, Poe's story demonstrates how
people react to their own mortality. The prince certainly feels that his wealth and
material possessions can protect him while the guests seem to embrace the Roman motto of
"Eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we will die" as their revelrie only ceases as
long as the clock chimes.
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