THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH
By Edgar Allan Poe
Analyzing Literature Worksheet
Understanding Allegory
An allegory is a story that uses symbols throughout to teach a lesson. Symbols can be characters,
objects or events that represent something else. Complete the following chart. Explain what you think
each symbol in “The Masque of the Red Death” represents and how it helps teach the lesson of the
story.
Symbol
What it represents
How it helps teach the lesson
Example: dreams
Masqueraders, fantasies
Shows us that life is fleeting; forebodes
the grim ending to the story
1. the masked
visitor
2. the black
chamber
3. the music
4. the tripods
with the
flames
5. the clock
THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH
By Edgar Allan Poe
Analyzing Literature Worksheet
Using Context Clues
When you read a story, you may come across an unfamiliar word. You can use context clues – the
words, phrases, and sentences surrounding the word – to help you determine its meaning. For
example, in the statement “In spite of these things, it was a gay and magnificent revel,” you can use
the words around revel to determine that it means “party or celebration.”
For each of the following sentences, use context clues to determine the meaning of the italicized
words. Write the meaning of the word on the line at the right.
1. “He had directed, in great part, the movable embellishments of
the seven chambers, upon occasion of this great fete.”
1. ___________________
2. “There were sharp pains, and sudden dizziness, and then profuse
bleeding at the pores…”
2. ___________________
3. “But to the chamber which lies most westwardly of the seven,
there are now none of the maskers who venture; for the night
is waning away; and there flows a ruddier light through the
blood-colored panes.”
3. ___________________
4. “When the eyes of Prince Prospero fell upon this spectral image
(which with a slow and solemn movement, as if more fully
to sustain its role, stalked to and fro among the waltzers) he
was seen to be convulsed.”
4. ___________________
5. “There was a sharp cry – and the dagger dropped gleaming
upon the sable carpet, upon which, instantly afterwards, fell
prostrate in death the Prince Prospero.”
5. ___________________
Objectives
1. Students will analyze plot, character, setting, symbolism, mood, conflict, point of view (and
any other literary element you could throw on the board to let everyone know just how smart
you are).
2. Students will interpret literature from different points of view.
3. Students will transcend genres (This should get some ooohs and aaaahs from stray teachers and
administrators walking near your room. You could even "accidentally" leave a copy of this
lesson plan in the teacher's lounge and eagerly wait for praise from your colleagues.).
4. Students will demonstrate public speaking techniques to communicate clearly.
Procedures
1. Read the story.
2. Divide students into groups of four or five (seven groups is ideal).
3. Each group must do (all or some of) the following:
1. Make a visual aide or graphic organizer (story maps work best) that lists the story's
major events, main characters, themes, symbols, setting, mood, conflict, resolution, and
point of view.
2. Write a one-page analysis and summary of the story. Each group must write it from one
of the following points of view: (1) Prince Prospero; (2) One of the Prince's guests; (3)
One of the peasants locked out of the castle; (4) The Red Death.
3. Find a specific example of imagery in the story and make a poster.
4. Create a symbols chart. The symbols chart should include the seven rooms, the seven
colors and the ebony clock.
5. Complete the ‘Analyzing Literature Worksheet’
6. Each group should present their doings to the class.
Each group must do ALL of the following (On the blank for each item write which
group member is in charge of this item. 2 names may go next to item #1):
(1) Make a visual aide or graphic organizer (story maps work best) that lists the
story's major events, main characters, themes, setting, mood, conflict,
resolution, and point of view. _______________________________
(2) Write a one-page analysis and summary of the story. Each group must write it
from one of the following points of view: (a) Prince Prospero; (b) One of the
Prince's guests; (c) One of the peasants locked out of the castle; (d) The Red
Death. _______________________________________________________
(3) Find a specific example of imagery in the story and make a mini-poster.
_____________________________________________________________
(4) Create a symbols chart. The symbols chart should include the seven rooms,
the seven colors and the ebony clock. _______________________________
(5) Complete ‘Analyzing Literature Worksheet’ __________________________
(6) Each group should present their work to the class on Tuesday, September 6.