“The Masque of the Red Death” Objective: Analyze how symbolism is used in the story

What is the background/setting Setting during the bubonic plague - 14th and 17th centuries Setting during the bubonic plague - 14th and 17th centuries Bubonic plague was an illness carried by fleas who bit rats that traveled on ships Bubonic plague was an illness carried by fleas who bit rats that traveled on ships The Black Death is estimated to have killed 30% – 60% of Europe's population The Black Death is estimated to have killed 30% – 60% of Europe's population Symptoms –boils in the groin, the neck and armpits, which oozed pus and bled when opened – vomiting blood, fever Symptoms –boils in the groin, the neck and armpits, which oozed pus and bled when opened – vomiting blood, fever

What is the significance of the rooms Rooms are going east to west signifying the life cycle Rooms are going east to west signifying the life cyclesunriseand sunset sunset

Going from East to West: Blue =birth Blue =birth Purple =youth (beginnings of growth) Purple =youth (beginnings of growth) Green = youth Green = youth Orange = adult hood Orange = adult hood White = mid-life White = mid-life Violet = elderly Violet = elderly Black = death Black = death **Red **= reserved for blood and fear

What does the clock symbolize? It symbolizes reality; their lives slowly ticking away.

What does Prince Prospero’s name symbolize Wealth; prosperity He represents mankind's futile attempt to live forever.

What does the mask figure symbolize? Death in general; More specifically, the Red Death Plague

Why do Prince Prospero and his followers retreat to his palace? To escape the Red Death Plague

Every time the clock strikes off another hour, the orchestra stops playing and the people stop dancing.

Compare life outside the palace with the life of the people Prospero brought inside. Outside Inside Reality Fantasy Death; Destruction Life Sorrow Happiness Health Disease/Sickness DespairHope Wealth Poverty

What do you learn about Prospero's character from his desire to keep his palace free of the plague? He is afraid to die. He is afraid to die. He is prejudice against the poor. He is prejudice against the poor. He thinks he can cheat death. (He thinks he can buy his way out.) He thinks he can cheat death. (He thinks he can buy his way out.)

What mood or effect is created by the colors and the lighting in the rooms of the ball? It causes a dream-like effect. It causes a dream-like effect. Fantasy Fantasy

Why does the visitor frighten the guests? Why does the visitor frighten the guests? Because he looks like someone with the Red Death Plague

List 6 aspects of how Poe builds terror in the story (Unity of Composition) List 6 aspects of how Poe builds terror in the story (Unity of Composition) Description of the plague’s symptoms Doors welded shut Dim, pulsing lights from the burning coals Black room with the red panes Appearance and behavior of the intruder