1. “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe
Symbolism in
“The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe

2. Symbolism Symbolism
The use of a character, a place, a thing, or an event in a literary work that stands for a larger idea.

3. What associations can you draw with the following?
Two Types
Traditional Association
Calls upon the reader to make common associations with the character, thing, or place being used.
Example: A dog being used to represent loyalty.
What associations can you draw with the following?
Bravery
Nobility
Peace
Love

4. 2nd Type Newly created associations
An author can create an new association by establishing a connection between an object or person, to something else.
Example:
A character may have a favorite food that he or she reflects on as a dish served in his or her home as a child. The food can then become a symbol of his or her past or family tradition. I

5. For Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death,” identify the following symbols and what they represent.

6. The series of seven colored rooms The progression of live toward death
Prince Prosero’s name
The well and properous
The series of seven colored rooms
The progression of live toward death
The black room
Death

7. The western location of the black chamber
The setting of the sun; the end of the daylight or life
The ebony clock in the black chamber
The quick passing of time
The guests don’t have long to live
The number of rooms (7)
One week, which could symbolize a life span

8. The costumes of the revelers Repressed desires or fears
The stranger at the party
The Red Death
The lighted tripods illuminating the rooms
The lives of the guests