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Identify an example of symbolism in "The Masque of the Red Death." What does the red room symbolize, and how does it contribute to the overall theme of the story?



A.
The red room represents passion and intensity, suggesting that the characters are fully alive and indulging in their pleasures. This room reflects the vibrant, carefree lifestyle of Prince Prospero's guests, but also foreshadows the end of their revelry. This ties into the theme by demonstrating the fleeting nature of life’s pleasures.

B.
The red room symbolizes fear and horror, representing the dread the characters feel about death. Its dark red color hints at blood and danger, making the room unsettling to the guests. This symbolism contributes to the theme by showing how fear of death is pervasive and inevitable.

C.
The red room symbolizes the final stage of life before death. As the guests pass through each color-themed room, they move closer to the red room, which signifies death. This symbolizes life's journey toward mortality, reinforcing the story’s theme that death is an unavoidable part of the human experience.

D.
The red room symbolizes blood and the inevitability of death. Its deep red color represents the presence of the Red Death, reminding the characters that death is inescapable, even behind closed doors. This contributes to the story's theme by showing that wealth and isolation cannot shield people from mortality.

1 answer

The best choice that captures the symbolism of the red room in "The Masque of the Red Death" is:

D. The red room symbolizes blood and the inevitability of death. Its deep red color represents the presence of the Red Death, reminding the characters that death is inescapable, even behind closed doors. This contributes to the story's theme by showing that wealth and isolation cannot shield people from mortality.

This option effectively highlights the connection between the red room and the overarching theme of mortality in the story, emphasizing that no matter how much one tries to avoid or escape death through wealth and isolation, it remains an inescapable reality.