Allegory in Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death”
Prince Prospero
Represents: the wealthy and privileged upper class
How he adds to the story:
The wealthy try to avoid suffering/death, acting as if they are exempt from the power of mortality,
but they are not. Also notice how indifferent the prince and his guests are to the common people.
Party Guests or Revelers
Represents: They represent humanity, human beings.
How they add to the story:
Although the party guests isolate themselves, they still die from the Red Death, thus showing no
one can escape death.
Prospero’s Abbey
Represents: a physical barrier to the disease, an attempt escape from the Red Death
How it adds to the story:
Even though Prince Prospero thinks he a walled, remote abbey is strong enough to keep death
out, death still penetrates the stone walls.
The Seven Rooms
Represent: the stages of life
How they add to the story:
The rooms begin in the east and end in the west. The seventh room represents death. No matter
where our journey begins, it always ends with death.
The Black Room
Represents: the grave, a coffin; foreshadows the coming of death (the red symbolizes blood)
How it adds to the story:
It shows that death finally waits for all at the end of life, no matter how wealthy.
The Tripods with Flames
Represent: the presence of light, heat, life.
How they add to the story:
Like the party goers and the clock, the tripods are snuffed out at the end by death.
The Ebony Clock
Represents: time, human lifespan on earth
How it adds to the story:
The chimes are a constant reminder of the passing of time. Time keeps ticking onward, like the
beating of a heart.
The Music
Represents: the tempo of life
How it adds to the story:
It gives us a sense of vulnerability; each time it is stilled by the chiming of the clock, we recognize
life is fleeting.
The Masque or Costume Party
Represents: An attempt to escape unpleasantness by pretending that all is well; looking for
forgetfulness in frivolity.
How it adds to the story:
People have a hard time facing serious problem or their mortality, so they try to avoid or ignore
the problem or issue.
The Masked Visitor or Uninvited Guest
Represents: the Red Death, plague, death
How he adds to the story:
It shows us that we cannot escape death, no matter how hard we try. Death will eventually find
us all, no matter where we are.