Plot
Symbols 1
Characters
Details
More Details
100

Why does Prince Prospero hide in an abbey?

To escape the Red Death.

100

What does the blue room symbolize?

birth in the life cycle

100
What is the name of protagonist (main character)?
Prince Prospero
100

What does the music symbolize?

The tempo of life - life's speed.

100
Who wrote The Masque of The Red Death?
Edgar Allen Poe
200

Why does Prince Prospero invite 1,000 friends to his party?

To try to help them forget about the death taking place.

200

What does the color violet symbolize?

Impending death

200
DAILY DOUBLE!!! What is darkly funny about the main character's name?
It's Prospero, like prosperous, but his wealth can't save him from death.
200
The Masked Visitor or uninvited guest...
It represents the Red Death, the plague, death in general.
200
How did Prince Prospero die?

He was stricken with the plague (Red Death).

300

Describe the Prince's home.

It was like a church building that had a wall around it and chained up gates so that no one could enter or leave. OR

"castellated abbey"

300
What does Prince Prospero symbolize?
Wealthy, privileged people who think that they can escape death.
300
How is the uninvited guest described?
Dressed in the "habiliments of the grave", was tall and thin and wore a mask that resembled a blood sprinkled corpse.
300

What do the the tripods represent?

They represent light and hope. Hope can be seen in the strength of a small flame.

300
Would you like to have Prince Prospero as a friend. You must use evidence from the text to back up your answer.
Judge's discretion
400

What is the main character's goal?

To escape from death.

400
What does the black room symbolize?
It represents the grave, a coffin, forebodes of death (the red symbolizes blood).
400
What effect does the uninvited guest have on the other party goers and why?
They are disgusted, offended and frightened because his costume reminds them of those suffering from the red death.
400

Describe Prince Prosper.

He is "happy and dauntless and sagacious".

400
Contrast life inside the palace to life outside the palace.
Inside it is fun and glamourous - outside there is death and disease.
500

Name two elements of enjoyment from the party.

Dancers, buffoons, improvisitori, musicians, beauty, wine and food.

500
What does the ebony clock symbolize and how does its description help?
The clock represents our time on earth, our life span. It's described as big, heavy, loud and dark - all adjectives that must be paid attention to.
500
What character flaw (bad quality) does the Prince's desire to escape the Red Death reveal?
He is a coward and doesn't care about leaving his subjects alone to cope with the disease.
500
Why does the clock's hourly chime upset the guests so much?
It interrupts the party and reminds them that death is around the corner.
500
What is the theme (message) of the story?
Wealth cannot save you from death. There is no escaping death. Everyone is on the same playing field where death is concerned.