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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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