In this essay the notion that short story 's value symbol over plot will be discussed with reference to "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. Symbolism is rampant in short stories especially in ones written by Edgar Allen Poe. "The Masque of the Red Death" has symbolism hidden around every corner of this gruesome story. One of the most prominent symbols is that of the castle, who 's walls can be argued to symbolize societies class boundaries. Everyone inside of the castle 's walls are of a high status such as Prince Prospero and the knights, those inside the walls are considered to be safe from the red death and due to this presumed safety the occupants are rejoicing. However just outside of the walls people of a lower status are dying a dreadful death. Those of the upper class do not care about the less fortunate that are left to fend for themselves. Although physically the walls are what separates the classes of people in reality it is actually their class distinctions. Someone of the working class or middle class would not have received an invite from the Prince to escape death because they are not seen to be worthy of life by him. Prince Prospero himself can be seen to symbolize elitism. Prince Prospero rallies up his band of knights, ladies and everyone of status and engulfs them in the presumed safety of his castle. Everyone of a lesser status is dying of the red death and all the while Prince Prospero and his pals are partying.