Symbolism In The Masque Of The Red Death

In Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Masque of the Red Death,” the author strategically incorporates an ebony clock as a symbol to prove a strong idea. In this short story, there is a terrible plague going around that is taking an abundant amount of lives. Prince Prospero and his guests seclude themselves inside his castle and throw a party; However, an uninvited guest will soon show up and crash their masquerade. Poe uses the ebony clock to illustrate that death cannot be eluded. Initially, Poe introduces the ebony clock as very dark and mysterious, much like himself. In the short story, Prince Prospero’s guests are discomforted whenever the clock strikes. The author adds, “But when the echoes had fully ceased, a light laughter pervaded the assembly…” (Poe 5). This proves that the commotion of the clock’s sounds make the guests nervous and uneasy. They, however, carry on when the chimes cease. The ebony clock reminds Prospero and his guests that the end is approaching near and it is inevitable. In conclusion. Poe uses the ebony clock to emphasize that death cannot be escaped.

In Poe’s short story, Prospero, along with his guests are trying to enjoy the masquerade while shut away from a deadly disease. They are interrupted when an uninvited guest shows up. The author states, “ ... that before the last echoes of the last chime had utterly sank into silence… to become aware of the masked figure…” (Poe 6-7). Poe reveals the upcoming anguish caused from both the clock and the masked figure. In conclusion, Poe utilizes the ebony clock as a signal that neither Prospero nor his guests are able to flee from death; they have to face it,