100% satisfaction guarantee Immediately available after payment Both online and in PDF No strings attached
Previously searched by you
Summary Final Research Essay (Example)_ENG 1120_Professor Kirsten Bussiere__ Title: Socioeconomic Prosperity: An Illusion of Immortality in Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death”$50.49
Add to cart
Summary Final Research Essay (Example)_ENG 1120_Professor Kirsten Bussiere__ Title: Socioeconomic Prosperity: An Illusion of Immortality in Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death”
4 views 0 purchase
Course
ENG 1120
Institution
University Of Ottawa (U Of O
)
This is an A+ final research essay tailored for ENG 1120's "Apocalypse Then and Now" course, for Professor Kirsten Bussiere. Dive into the insightful analysis of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," meticulously researched and written. "Socioeconomic Prosperity: An Illusion of Immortali...
Socioeconomic Prosperity: An Illusion of Immortality in Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death”
Apocalyptic fictions often have the recurring theme of the inevitability of death and the
powerlessness of humans to escape it. "The Masque of the Red Death" is a fictional short story
written by Edgar Allan Poe that conveys this message. Through its construction and
representation of social status, the story refers to the notion of the great equalizing nature of
death. The tale is an allegory about humanity’s inability to escape one’s demise. In the short story
“The Masque of the Red Death,” Poe makes use of symbols alluding to the Red Death and
regarding the structure and components of Prince Prospero’s castle to develop the theme of the
inescapable passage of time resulting in ineluctable death. The story serves as an allegory of
humankind’s futile attempts to escape one’s absolute fate, demonstrating that social and material
prosperity is merely an illusion of security as time ticks away regardless of social status or
wealth. This essay will mainly focus on the symbolic interpretation and significance of the
castle’s construction and masquerade party, the seven-colored chambers, and the ebony clock.
Poe’s short story is an important reminder of the non-discriminatory nature of death. With no
regard to aspects that divide humanity, death is an inherent truth that fundamentally equalizes
and unifies us all.
Firstly, the construction of the castle and the masquerade party are symbolic of class
division and the attempt by individuals of higher status to escape death, while alluding to prince
Prospero’s insanity, suggesting the delusion that is of attempting to avoid such a fate. Presented
, El Goussi 2
as an impenetrable fortress, the castle supposedly provides the safety the prince and his wealthy
friends so desperately seek, far from the exterior horror. Imagery plays a role in the vivid
description of the castle and the party, with the intent to portray the extraordinary wealth,
prosperity, and social status of the individuals, primarily the prince. However, it also showcases
Prospero's insanity towards the situation, as he escapes into “reality-denying fantasies”
(Halliburton 311). The castle is described as an “extensive and magnificent structure, the creation
of the prince's own eccentric yet august taste … There were buffoons, there were improvisators,
there were ballet-dancer there were musicians, there was Beauty, there was wine” (Poe 3).
Prospero escapes to a fictitious world of apparent safety within the castle that heavily contrasts
with the reality on the other side of the walls.
The setting in which the story unfolds early on depicts the arrogance of the prince and his
separation not only on a social level but also from reality. As the pandemic rages, the prince
attempts to shield himself with his riches, letting the external world “take care of itself” (Poe 3).
In the process, creating a class boundary between individuals of higher and lower social status,
which the castle walls represent. The latter, along with the masquerade party, additionally sets
forth the prince’s separation on a mental level as means of defense. While terror reins outside,
Prospero is “happy and dauntless and sagacious” and responds to the death of half the kingdom
by summoning “to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends” (Poe 3), which further
underlines Prospero's insanity. Through both mental and physical retreats, the prince and his
companions “construct and maintain a pose of indifference to death” (Wheat 51). By isolating
and distracting himself alongside his company, the prince creates a false sense of security within
the castle walls. His social and materialistic prosperity, which is emphasized given not only his
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller elgoussimaamoun073. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $50.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
