How Does Poe Use Symbols In The Masque Of The Red Death
One of the greatest gothic writers of all time, Edgar Allen Poe, stays true to the gothic style of writing in his story “The Masque of the Red Death”. This tale is set during the time of the black plague; a time where there is a lot of heartache, sickness, and of course death! Poe incorporates many themes throughout this story to help the reader understand how the choices we make can lead to a path to happiness, or a path to death. He uses symbolism to help display his themes of, death, human nature, selfishness, and choices. Looking throughout Poe’s writings, there is a heavy use of symbolism. He uses this symbolism to show the selfishness in the world. One symbol used is a main character in the story Prince Prospero. The text describes,
“ When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light hearted friends from among the knights and dames of his court” (446). This first quote expresses how upper class men never really socialize with people outside of their groups. Poe is clearly stating that people of power are to show their status with lavish parties. He also uses this symbol to expose the selfishness within people even when others are in need of help. The story also states “ The external world could take of itself” (448). In this quote Poe expresses his strong feelings toward our society once again. Many people see devastating events occur, and pretend to not see or leave the situation for someone else to eventually fix the problem. This previously mentioned thinking is what causes dilemmas such as the Red Death to continue to murder people in high numbers. This disease was only stopped when doctors go out of their way to find cures instead of ignoring the problem just because they were not the ones with the problem. Poe also uses a vigorous amount of symbolism when speaking upon the topic of death. Poe’s second theme that is noticed is the theme of death, as true gothic writings have. Many have a fear of dying or losing someone. Poe is very thorough in putting the theme of death blatantly throughout his story. In a couple parts in the story there was a huge clock, this clock provided the reader a kind of suspense. The narrator describes, “ There came from the brazen lungs of the clock a sound which was clear and loud and deep and exceedingly musical, but of so peculiar a note and emphasis that, at each lapse of an hour, the musicians of the orchestra were constrained to pause…” (449). In this quote I felt as though Poe was touching on that feeling of when someone who is really loved is lost, then all the joy and happiness disappears in that moment. All the memories of that person makes people cry or get angry; it’s like life pauses because that person is no longer there. Poe then continues to go on to say that the clock stops ringing and the music continues to play, basically saying eventually everyone goes back to normal and lives their lives as they once were. The joy and happy will come back to their lives just as the music in the masquerade brings back the joy to the party. Later in the story, Poe uses the symbol of the clock once again. Poe states, “ And then, for a moment, all is still, and all is silent save the voice of the clock. The dreams stiff frozen as they stand. But the echoes of the chime die away - they have endured but an instant - and a light, half-subdued laughter floats after them as they depart.” (450). Poe is undoubtedly conveying his perception of what happens once a person dies. He’s saying that when a person is on the brink of death suddenly everything passes before them. The person realizes that they will no longer be able to complete their goals, be with loved one, or sadness will occur because others are being left behind. Also, when this dying being is in their final moment, all the memories of their former life becomes distant and eventually is removed completely. The next theme has an essence of death, but is mainly focused on what leads up to that point. Everyone makes choices in life whether these choices are their own or someone else's. Poe recognizes that these choices can lead to a fatal ending. When talking about these choices in the story Poe wants the reader to really think about how their actions could have an affect on how the ending of a person's life can be. Here Poe describes,“There is a sharp turn at every twenty or thirty yards, and at each turn a novel effect.”(448). Poe is saying that when it comes to life there will be obstacles and unexpected twist; these turn may happen suddenly and can have a great outcome or a terrible one.
“ When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light hearted friends from among the knights and dames of his court” (446). This first quote expresses how upper class men never really socialize with people outside of their groups. Poe is clearly stating that people of power are to show their status with lavish parties. He also uses this symbol to expose the selfishness within people even when others are in need of help. The story also states “ The external world could take of itself” (448). In this quote Poe expresses his strong feelings toward our society once again. Many people see devastating events occur, and pretend to not see or leave the situation for someone else to eventually fix the problem. This previously mentioned thinking is what causes dilemmas such as the Red Death to continue to murder people in high numbers. This disease was only stopped when doctors go out of their way to find cures instead of ignoring the problem just because they were not the ones with the problem. Poe also uses a vigorous amount of symbolism when speaking upon the topic of death. Poe’s second theme that is noticed is the theme of death, as true gothic writings have. Many have a fear of dying or losing someone. Poe is very thorough in putting the theme of death blatantly throughout his story. In a couple parts in the story there was a huge clock, this clock provided the reader a kind of suspense. The narrator describes, “ There came from the brazen lungs of the clock a sound which was clear and loud and deep and exceedingly musical, but of so peculiar a note and emphasis that, at each lapse of an hour, the musicians of the orchestra were constrained to pause…” (449). In this quote I felt as though Poe was touching on that feeling of when someone who is really loved is lost, then all the joy and happiness disappears in that moment. All the memories of that person makes people cry or get angry; it’s like life pauses because that person is no longer there. Poe then continues to go on to say that the clock stops ringing and the music continues to play, basically saying eventually everyone goes back to normal and lives their lives as they once were. The joy and happy will come back to their lives just as the music in the masquerade brings back the joy to the party. Later in the story, Poe uses the symbol of the clock once again. Poe states, “ And then, for a moment, all is still, and all is silent save the voice of the clock. The dreams stiff frozen as they stand. But the echoes of the chime die away - they have endured but an instant - and a light, half-subdued laughter floats after them as they depart.” (450). Poe is undoubtedly conveying his perception of what happens once a person dies. He’s saying that when a person is on the brink of death suddenly everything passes before them. The person realizes that they will no longer be able to complete their goals, be with loved one, or sadness will occur because others are being left behind. Also, when this dying being is in their final moment, all the memories of their former life becomes distant and eventually is removed completely. The next theme has an essence of death, but is mainly focused on what leads up to that point. Everyone makes choices in life whether these choices are their own or someone else's. Poe recognizes that these choices can lead to a fatal ending. When talking about these choices in the story Poe wants the reader to really think about how their actions could have an affect on how the ending of a person's life can be. Here Poe describes,“There is a sharp turn at every twenty or thirty yards, and at each turn a novel effect.”(448). Poe is saying that when it comes to life there will be obstacles and unexpected twist; these turn may happen suddenly and can have a great outcome or a terrible one.