“The Masque of the Red Death” Edgar Allan Poe (1850)
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Name:
Class Period:
Date:
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Anticipation Guide
Before Reading
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
After Reading
1. Leaders should always protect all of his or her subjects, no matter what.
2. It is not the rich or royal’s duty to protect the poor in times of need.
3. If I were a king or queen and the people of my kingdom had fallen sick, I
would probably take to the streets to investigate and save them.
4. If I were king or queen and the people of my kingdom had fallen sick, I
would invite my closest, healthiest friends over for a party, and wish everyone
else luck.
5. Rich people have more rights than poor people.
6. If you have more money and resources it is easier to avoid death longer.
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Vocabulary: 1. As you read, study each vocabulary word in the chart. 2. Use context clues to
determine the meanings of the words and make notes for them in the appropriate box. 3. Study these
words throughout your reading of the text.
Words: profuse, countenance, wanton, spectral, blasphemous
Notes:
Literary Terms 1. Define each literary term listed below. 2. Apply each term to the story by
answering the questions found later in this packet.
Allegory
Definition: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Symbolism
Definition: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Story Map--PLOT
1. Exposition
a. Characters-
b. Setting-
c. Conflict-
2. Rising Actiona. Conflicts develop-
b. Suspense-
3. Climax- The turning point, character faces conflict
4. Falling Action-
5. Resolution-
Scavenger Hunt- Symbols
Find the symbols in the story. Figure out their purpose in terms of the plot of the story, and then consider
what it might stand for in terms of symbolism.
The symbol
Seven colored rooms
The black and red room
The “Castellated Abbey”
(The blocked off castle)
The clock
The red death
(The hooded figure)
Prince Prospero
Purpose in the story
What it stands for
During Reading Questions 1. As we read, we will stop to answer the analysis questions in this
graphic organizer in the appropriate paragraphs. All answers need to be in complete sentences unless
otherwise stated.
Group 1
Questions requiring textual evidence
What are details of “The Red Death?”
Questions requiring your own analysis
What mood does this create? Why?
2
Who is the main character of the story? What does he
decide to do?
What is Prince Prospero’s attitude about “The Red
Death?” Does this make him a good or bad leader?
3
What are details of the setting of the story?
Imagery: Sketch a room described by the text
4
Questions requiring textual evidence
What happens each time the clock tolls?
Questions requiring your own analysis
Why does everyone stop each time the clock sounds?
5
Describe the performers at the party.
What mood do the performers create? Do you think the
performers would be interesting to see?
6
How do the people feel when the mysterious
character arrives? Why do they feel that way?
The character’s appearance creates rising action. Make a
prediction about what will happen.
1
Group 2
Group 3
Questions requiring textual evidence
What is Prince Prospero’s reaction when he sees the
mysterious intruder?
Questions requiring your own analysis
Why would he react this way?
8
Why didn’t anyone chase after the mysterious
figure?
What made Prince Prospero decide to go after the
figure?
9
What is the climax of the story?
What made the climax so exciting?
10
What is the falling action of the story?
How is the story resolved?
7
Final Questions
1. Select one symbol from the story and explain it. What does it stand for? How do you
know?
2. How did the setting create the mood of the story?
3. What is the message of “The Masque of the Red Death?”
4. What is an allegory? How can we tell “The Masque of the Red Death” is an allegory?