When studying allegorical texts, it is important that students understand the concept as a foundation for the reading. An allegory is like an extended metaphor, where elements of the story are symbolic of a deeper meaning. Since allegories are works that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning (usually moral or political), it is important that students engage not only with the surface details, but with this deeper level as well.
In “The Masque of the Red Death”, Poe uses the allegory of Prospero’s actions to make a strong point: no one escapes death. Prospero thought he could cheat death by inviting all the wealthy people in his kingdom to the safety of his castle. He was segregating the wealthy from the peasantry to avoid death from the plague. The reader soon realizes that any attempt to escape death is futile, even for a wealthy prince like Prospero.
As an extension lesson, ask students to create a storyboard that show multiple ways that Prospero tried to escape death!
| Barricaded Castle | An important principal of death which Poe addresses is Prospero's hubris in thinking that through his power he could escape death. However, there is an equality in the face of death; it attacks everyone, rich and poor alike. Prospero may think that a physical barricade may save him, but death can infiltrate any place. |
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| The Masquerade Ball | The masquerade ball this exhibits Prospero’s attempt to ‘mask’ or hide from death. Using his money to throw a ball literally represents his attempt to hide from death with a costume, and also his attempt to distract himself from the reality of death. Despite these efforts, the clock strikes always interrupt the party, reminding the guests of their mortality, and, in the end, Death, masquerading as one of his victims, appears at the ball in person. |
| The Confrontation | When the mysterious guest refuses to unmask himself, Prospero confronts him and pursues the stranger through the seven chambers, dagger drawn. With these actions, Prospero is literally trying to kill Death. Instead, his pursuit carries him through the decorated chambers (representing the stages of life) and he corners Death in the final room. There he falls dead. Death cannot be defeated with a weapon, and Prospero’s efforts to kill him have only sped him to the inevitable fate he was seeking to overcome. |
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows examples of allegory in "The Masque of the Red Death".
Facilitate a guided discussion where students share their interpretations of allegory in The Masque of the Red Death. This helps students deepen their understanding by hearing multiple perspectives and practicing critical thinking.
Create thought-provoking questions such as “What do you think the seven colored rooms represent?” or “How does the story connect to real-world events?” to encourage students to analyze allegorical elements more deeply.
Ask students to find examples in today’s world that relate to the story’s allegory, such as public responses to pandemics. This makes the lesson relevant and helps students transfer understanding beyond literature.
Designate roles like discussion leader, note-taker, and summarizer to give all students a voice and keep the conversation focused on allegorical meaning.
Have students write a brief reflection on what allegory adds to the story and why it matters. This consolidates learning and encourages personal engagement with the text.
The allegory in 'The Masque of the Red Death' is that no one, regardless of wealth or status, can escape death. Edgar Allan Poe uses Prince Prospero's attempts to avoid the plague as a symbol of humanity's futile efforts to avoid mortality.
To teach allegory in 'The Masque of the Red Death', start by explaining what an allegory is, then guide students to identify symbolic elements in the story, such as the castle, masquerade ball, and the clock. Encourage them to connect these symbols to broader themes like mortality and equality.
Examples of allegory in the story include Prospero's barricaded castle (symbolizing attempts to escape death), the masquerade ball (representing distraction or denial), and the seven colored rooms (often seen as stages of life).
Poe uses the masquerade ball as a symbol of Prince Prospero's attempt to hide from death. The elaborate costumes and festivities represent the illusion of safety and the desire to distract from the reality of mortality.
A simple activity is to have students create a storyboard that shows key moments where Prospero tries to escape death. They can pair each symbolic event with its deeper meaning, helping them visually connect allegory with real-world themes.