The Masque of the Red Death Allegory
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Allegory Definition and Examples
Lesson Plans by Rebecca Ray
When studying allegorical texts, it is important that students understand the concept as a foundation for the reading. Since an allegory's purpose is to convey a deeper, symbolic meaning, students must be able to define the term and spot the references in the work of literature.
"The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe
Lesson Plans by Rebecca Ray
In the kingdom of Prince Prospero, a disease, the Red Death, viciously and gruesomely kills all who contract it. As it runs its course throughout his kingdom, Prospero decides to escape its grasp by inviting all the nobles to his castle and welding the doors shut, so they can wait out the plague in his lavishly decorated castle. Learn more with our premade lesson plans and activities!
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![The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Masque of the Red Death" Plot Diagram](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/979616/cell-col-1-row-0-w400.png "The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Masque of the Red Death" Plot Diagram")
![The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Masque of the Red Death" Symbols, Themes, and Motifs](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/979651/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Masque of the Red Death" Symbols, Themes, and Motifs")
![The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - Allegory in "The Masque of the Red Death"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/981101/cell-col-1-row-0-w400.png "The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - Allegory in "The Masque of the Red Death"")
![The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Masque of the Red Death" Vocabulary](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/981140/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - "The Masque of the Red Death" Vocabulary")
Storyboard Description
Edgar Allan Poe - The Masque of the Red Death Allegory / Mask of the Red Death
Storyboard Text
- The Masque of the Red Death
- The Masquerade Ball
- Using the example of the masquerade ball, this exhibits one of Prospero’s first attempts to ‘mask’, or hide, from death. Using his money and power to throw a ball literally represents his allegorical attempt to hide from death, while figuratively wearing a costume.
- Example
- Reference
- An important principal of death which Poe addresses is Prospero's pretentiousness in thinking that through his wealth, he could escape death. However, there is an equality in death - the fact that it attacks everyone, rich and poor alike. Prospero may think that a physical barricade may save him, yet in truth, death can infiltrate any place and any person.
- Barricaded Castle
- The red death is further seen metaphorically when the stranger appears at the ball. Dressed as a plague victim with spots of blood on his face, Prospero confronts him to address his ill humor and poor judgement. However, once he reaches the stranger, he dies instantly. When others attempt to grab the assailant, they die as well, but not before the reader learns that there is no one under the costume. The stranger thus is the Red Death in persona, again conveying that death comes to everyone.
- The 'Stranger'
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