The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe. It provides a thorough exploration of the short story’s plot, characters and main themes, as well as a useful discussion of its key symbols. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 46-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Edgar Allan Poe
• Presentation of The Masque of the Red Death
• Summary of The Masque of the Red Death
• Character study
  • Prince Prospero
  • The Red Death
• Analysis of The Masque of the Red Death
  • A Gothic masterpiece
  • The seven rooms
  • For whom does the bell toll…?
  • The rich man in his castle…
  • Light and dark
  • Death knocks at the door
  • Folly and foolishness
  • What lies within

About The Masque of the Red Death 

The Masque of the Red Death is one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most widely read short stories. In it, Poe evokes a plague-ravaged kingdom where death stalks rich and poor alike, leading Prince Prospero to take shelter in an opulent, heavily fortified abbey. However, the appearance of a mysterious guest during a masquerade ball soon proves that his money and power cannot protect him forever…

The Masque of the Red Death has inspired numerous films, audio and comic book adaptations, as well as the annual Halloween event The Masquerade of the Red Death in Detroit, Michigan.

About Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, editor and critic who was best known for his poetry and short stories. He was born in 1809, and his parents died when he was young. Unable to support himself as an adult, he enlisted in the army, during which time he released his first work as a writer. He decided to make literature his career after the death of his brother and, although he suffered numerous setbacks and humiliations, he eventually found relative success. After his wife died, Poe became somewhat unhinged and was eventually found delirious on the streets of Baltimore. He died soon after.