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Symbolism In The Masque Of Red Death

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In “The Masque of Red Death”, Edgar Allan Poe uses symbolism and powerful symbolism to describe the figure that enters Prince Prospero’s safehaven. A clear example of this is when Poe describes the figure as “tall and gaunt” (Poe 124). When taken literally, Poe perfectly describes the physical form of the figure. Readers are able to visualize how intimidating the mere outline of the figure is to those in his presence. On a symbolic level, these words describe the “Red Death” as a disease. Those who were vulnerable to it treated it as an intimidating force that had the power to kill. Furthermore, Poe uses symbolism when he describes the figure as resembling “the countenance of a stiffened corpse” (124). Poe helps the reader picture the figure
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