MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH SYMBOLSTHE ROOMS The

MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH

SYMBOLS—THE ROOMS The rooms in "The Masque of the Red Death" are an allegory for the stages of life. • Blue=birth • Trust, calm • Purple=beginning of growth (a combination of blue (birth) and red (intensity) • a combination of blue (birth) and red (intensity)

SYMBOLS—THE ROOMS The rooms in "The Masque of the Red Death" are an allegory for the stages of life. • Green=adolescence or youth • Orange=middle age • the "spring" of life when things start to bloom • the "summer and autumn" of life

SYMBOLS—THE ROOMS The rooms in "The Masque of the Red Death" are an allegory for the stages of life. • White—old age • Violet—dying • the "winter" of life—white hair • a combination of purple (growth) and grey (close to black)

SYMBOLS—THE ROOMS The rooms in "The Masque of the Red Death" are an allegory for the stages of life. • Black-death • Notice that Prince Prospero didn't escape death with his money and his fancy party; death came for him anyway. In fact, he was the first to go.

OTHER SYMBOLS • The Ebony Clock • The Masquerade • The passage of time and a reminder of death • An attempt to hide from reality

SUMMARY--SWBST Use SWBST to write a summary for "Masque of the Red Death" • Somebody—Prince Prospero • Wanted—to ignore the outside world and enjoy his riches and party • But—a strange figure shows up and ruins his party • So—Prince Prospero threatens death and chases after the figure • Then—Prince Prospero dies along with everyone else

THEME • Think about the symbolism of the rooms (the stages of life). • Think about the main conflict (Prince Prospero wants to ignore the world (death) with his party) and how it was resolved (he dies anyway) What might be theme (remember to state it as a sentence) for the story? Keep in mind that theme is the MESSAGE or life lesson we're meant to take away.