Discuss the theme in "The Masque of the Red Death" and how the seven rooms, Prince Prospero's movement, and the clock contribute to buillding this theme.

-- Anonymous, July 01, 2001

Answers

The Theme is Death, not only physical, but also spiritual, moral death.All the nobles that Prospero tried to "save" by locking them in his castle, in my opinion represent the immorality of the rich&powerful, who, indifferent to the suffering of the poor, tried - in vain- to save themselves.But noone can escape from Death as you know.Seven is a very "strong" number in many cultures and religions.It's symbolic, mystic-7 are the days of creation, don't you agree? Red, is the colour of blood, the blood that ran from the innocent peasants, will also run from the nobles.The clock only ticks to bring the time of Doom closer.With every tick of it, and as Death goes from one room to another, the time in which Prospero-as the mostly responsible, because of his indifference- will die, comes sooner. The fact that the people in the various rooms aren't able to see the others in the other rooms, only symbolises the ignorance that humans have of the people next to us.In general, this is a story of the upcoming Death of our society, if we keep on ignoring other people's cry for help. I hope I could be of some help.

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2001

My english teacher told me the theme of the story is that no matter what, you cant excape death.I hope its right.Good luck

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2003