SYMBOL Definition: An object that stands for or represents something else Definition: An object that stands for or represents something else

With a partner, analyze the following images/plot devices in terms of what they could SYMBOLIZE

ALLEGORY Definition: An allegory is a complete narrative which involves characters and events that stand for an abstract idea or an event. Definition: An allegory is a complete narrative which involves characters and events that stand for an abstract idea or an event. Unlike allegory, symbolism does not tell a story. Unlike allegory, symbolism does not tell a story.

Allegorical Lesson After discussing the various symbols in “The Masque of the Red Death,” discuss how this story functions as an allegory. In other words, what allegorical lesson do the symbols work together to teach? After discussing the various symbols in “The Masque of the Red Death,” discuss how this story functions as an allegory. In other words, what allegorical lesson do the symbols work together to teach?

The Castle Walls/Masquerade Symbolize man’s efforts to prevent or avoid death. Regardless of wealth, social position, or popularity, death arrives as an uninvited guest. Symbolize man’s efforts to prevent or avoid death. Regardless of wealth, social position, or popularity, death arrives as an uninvited guest.

The Seven Rooms Represent the stages of life. Represent the stages of life. Rooms progress from east to west (sun rises in the east, sets in the west). Birth to death. Rooms progress from east to west (sun rises in the east, sets in the west). Birth to death.

Seven Seven Deadly Sins Some interpret the 7 rooms to represent Prospero’s (humans’) indulgence in the seven deadly sins: Some interpret the 7 rooms to represent Prospero’s (humans’) indulgence in the seven deadly sins:

Seven Deadly Sins Pride/Vanity: Prospero’s belief he is more powerful than death Envy: It is unclear who Prospero might envy, but he sure is trying hard to impress someone Gluttony (the act of consuming more than one is required): Prospero lavishes his guests with “ample provisions” and “the appliances of pleasure” Lust (excessive craving for pleasures of the body): What do you think was going on at an “anything goes” party?...

Seven Deadly Sins cont. Anger: The Prince becomes angry with the uninvited guest and attacks it Anger: The Prince becomes angry with the uninvited guest and attacks it Greed: Although Prospero shares his wealth with a thousand guests, he helps those who need it least and withholds from those in need. Greed: Although Prospero shares his wealth with a thousand guests, he helps those who need it least and withholds from those in need. Sloth (the absence of work): Prince’s work seems to lack in the spiritual realm Sloth (the absence of work): Prince’s work seems to lack in the spiritual realm

Seven Ages of Man Poe would have been familiar with Shakespeare’s work As You Like It, which features the following monologue: Poe would have been familiar with Shakespeare’s work As You Like It, which features the following monologue: As we read through it, try to identify the seven ages/stages of man described… As we read through it, try to identify the seven ages/stages of man described…

“The Seven Ages of Man” All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players, They have their exits and entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms. Then, the whining schoolboy with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden, and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice In fair round belly, with good capon lin'd, With eyes severe, and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws, and modern instances, And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon, With spectacles on nose, and pouch on side, His youthful hose well sav'd, a world too wide, For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, Turning again towards childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything. All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players, They have their exits and entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms. Then, the whining schoolboy with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden, and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice In fair round belly, with good capon lin'd, With eyes severe, and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws, and modern instances, And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon, With spectacles on nose, and pouch on side, His youthful hose well sav'd, a world too wide, For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, Turning again towards childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.to schoolto school

The Ebony Clock Symbolizes time running out. The clock is a constant reminder of death and symbolizes the inevitability of it. The revelers were unable to stop to the pendulum from swinging, not could they prevent its ominous tones from dampening their enthusiasm. Symbolizes time running out. The clock is a constant reminder of death and symbolizes the inevitability of it. The revelers were unable to stop to the pendulum from swinging, not could they prevent its ominous tones from dampening their enthusiasm.

The Masqued Visitor Personification of death (more than just Red Death). Shows us that we cannot escape death, no matter how hard we try Personification of death (more than just Red Death). Shows us that we cannot escape death, no matter how hard we try

The Flames from the Tripod Symbolize life and “light” Symbolize life and “light” Notice that in the final paragraph, it says, “And the flames of the tripod expired.” Notice that in the final paragraph, it says, “And the flames of the tripod expired.”

So what is the allegorical lesson? One cannot escape his or her fate or death. One cannot escape his or her fate or death.