The Reflection of Prince Prospero in 'The Masque of the Red Death'

What does Prince Prospero take out while following a guest throughout the suites?

A. A dagger

B. A mask

C. A torch

Answer:

Prince Prospero takes out a dagger

Reflecting on Prince Prospero in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" reveals a complex and intriguing character. In the story, Prince Prospero is depicted as a wealthy and arrogant nobleman who attempts to evade the ravages of the Red Death by secluding himself and his courtiers in an abbey. As the masquerade ball unfolds within the seven colored suites of the abbey, Prospero's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and paranoid.

When he encounters a guest who appears to be dressed as the Red Death itself, Prince Prospero takes out a dagger. This action symbolizes his descent into fear and madness, as he confronts the embodiment of the very plague he seeks to avoid. The dagger represents his vulnerability and the violent lengths to which he is willing to go to protect himself from the threat of the Red Death.

Furthermore, Prince Prospero's fixation on the figure of the Red Death guest reflects his own mortality and the inevitability of death. Despite his attempts to shield himself from the horrors of the world outside, he cannot escape the reality of his own mortality. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the futility of trying to defy death.