“The Masque of the Red Death”

Edgar Allan Poe

SYMBOLISM

• Prince Prospero = prosperity

• Prosperity (n.) – the condition of enjoying wealth, success, or good fortune

• Red Death = The bubonic plague; Black Death (pg. 372)

SYMBOLISM cont.

• The number 7– 7 stages of life– 7 wonders of the world– 7 deadly sins

• The 7 rooms– East to west room layout; sunrise/sunset=

life/death

SYBOLISM cont.

• Colors

• 1. Blue

• 2. Purple

• 3. Green

• 4. Orange

• 5. White

• 6. Violet

SYMBOLISM cont.

• Color• Black room with scarlet window panes

– “The seventh apartment was closely shrouded in black velvet tapestries that hung all over the ceiling and down the walls, falling in heavy folds upon a carpet of the same material and hue. The panes were scarlet—a deep blood color.” page 370

• The giant ebony clock– Time standing still; death

Mood/Tone

• Mood- “…for night is waning away…the sounding of midnight upon the clock”

• Tone- Reread the first paragraph…what kind of story will this be just from the wording? pg. 369

• Suspense- Who/what is the mysterious “man”?

• Point of View- Third person

THEME???

What is it?

Q & A

• You will have 5 minutes to answer each question. You must stop when the time is up.

• After the fourth question is answered, we will share our answers.

• You will hand in your answers before you leave class.

#1

• Question 1

• Can people make their own fate or change what seems to be preordained to happen? Explain your answer.

#2

• Question 2

• List as many sport teams you can think of that are named after animals. Next, identify what qualities each animal can symbolize for a team.

#3

• Question 3

• Imagine how society would handle a plague in the present day. Could all victims be isolated before the plague spread? What problems would be created by international travelers?

#4

• Question 4—With a partner!

• Rewrite a section of “The Masque of the Red Death” from Death’s point-of-view.

• Turn in what you completed today.

• Thank you!

• Reminder--HW: Unit 2 workbook exercises are due tomorrow.