The Masque of the Red Death Do Now

“The Masque of the Red Death”

Do Now l Write down at least three common symbols found in film or literature and what they represent.

Symbolism connects the Theme l Symbol: a person, animal, thing, event, or idea that represents something in addition to itself heart = love cross = religion or Christianity skull = death red = passion, blood white = purity, innocence l what could symbolize life? death? freedom? joy? hate? l ***symbols help readers understand the meaning of the story by focusing on specific ideas related to theme l l l

Symbolism Connects theme l Projected symbolism: The author writers without the intent to make things symbolic, but the reader can draw symbols from the story. l Intended symbolism: The author writes with the intent to make things symbolic or representative of something else

Allegory l set of recognizable symbols whose meanings combine to convey a message. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy. allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning.

Summarize l Why have they retreated to the castle?

Characterization l How would you describe the Prince? Does he remind you of anyone you know?

Explain l Why are they so disturbed by the person dressed as the Red Death?

Group Work l In pairs, please analyze the meaning of the following symbols. Make a chart that includes the symbol, a meaning, and textual support. l The prince, the clock, the masquerade, the rooms, and the masked figure.

B. What is the allegorical lesson in the story? rd (write in the 3 Person) THEME: One cannot escape his or her fate or death.

Prince Prospero Wealth; prosperity He represents mankind's futile attempt to live forever.

The Masquerade Fantasy; escaping from reality

The Masked Figure Death in general; More specifically, the Red Death

The Clock It symbolizes reality; their lives slowly ticking away.

The Seven Rooms l Color association l 7 phases of life ending in death l 7 deadly sins

Going from East to West: l. Blue l. White l. Green l. Black/Red l. Purple l. Orange l. Violet

l With Assignment a partner you need to design an illustration of one of the symbols mentioned on your study guide l Prince Prospero l The masquerade l The masked figure l The clock l Any of the seven rooms mentioned in the story

Requirements l Your poster should include: l Front: l 1. Illustration of the meaning of the symbol (example: Do not just draw a clock. Show it represents reality. ) l 2. Quote or passage of the symbol on the illustration l Back: l 1. Symbol you chose l 2. Explanation for the meaning and use of this symbol as it relates to theme.

Questions to Ponder l How does this symbol help develop theme that death is inescapable? l What could this object represent and why? l What is the purpose of this object? l Who is affected by the object and how are they affected? l Do the colors or description help symbolize the object further?