thursday, Feb 28, Masque of Red Death

Objective: By the end of class, students will complete Masque of the Red Death, analyze allegory,

Do NOW

Identify each of the following as a summary, an analysis or an evaluation. 

The story takes place in Europe in the 14th century. The red death was spreading through the country, killing millions of people. Count Prospero thought he could shut out death by hiding in his mansion with his friends. They had a masquerade party and tried to pretend that death could not come through the stone walls of the great abbey.

The red death was a horrible, contagious disease that spread like wildfire throughout the country. Fleas that lived on rats carried the killer bacteria; when they jumped onto humans, one bit was enough kill the victim in a matter of hours. No one would help them. " The scarlet stains upon the victim were the pest ban which shut him out from the aid and sympathy of his fellow man."

Edgar Allen Poe was  master of his craft and wrote many allegories throughout his life often to emphasize the selfish and often careless nature of man.  The Masque of the Red Death exemplifies one of these characters, Count Prospero, who foolishly assumed he could "shut out" the red death from his stone-walled abbey. In the text, Poe ultimately personifies death as a guest who attends the rich Count's party, killing all within the supposed "safety zone." Poe clearly makes the point that no one, rich or poor, can escape or hide from death under any circumstance.


Direct Instruction

Review answers from Study guide questions.

Read conclusion of Masque of the red Death- pages 424-427

View "The Masque of the Red Death" - 15 minutes

Answer Comprehensive questions below.

1. Why do the guests avoid the last room?

2. Who Comes to the party in disguise? (page 425)

3. Why does Prince Prospero run through all the chambers chasing him?

4. Where does the "guest (mummer)" run to?

5. What happens when Prospero "meets" the strange guest?

6. Are the other guests angry at what happens to Prospero?

7. What do the guests do? What do they discover?

8. What happens to all the guests at the end?

9. Who is the guest (mummer) symbolically?

10. Can anyone escape or hide from or mask the Red Death? 

Exit Pass

In your own words, explain how Prospero's party is an allegory for the bubonic plague (black death).      




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