The Masque of the Red Death

"The Masque of the Red Death" Edgar Allen Poe's The Masque of the Red Death is an elaborate allegory that combines objects in the story with visual descriptions to give focus to the reader's imagination. In the story, a prince named Properso tries to dodge the Red Death through isolation and seclusion. He hides behind impenetrable walls of his castellated abbey and lets the world take care of its own. But no walls can stop …

…description of the clock's chimes is successful as a constant reminder of their death. Prince Properso's efforts of avoid the epidemic is unsuccessful because death will eventually conquer all who oppose. His ultimate enemy was his refusal to except death as it comes. Poe is successful in showing the importance of language and symbolism to visualize death. Poe's mastery of language and symbolism helped bring the story to life and bring new meaning to death.