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A strong and lofty wall girdled it in. This wall had gates of iron. The courtiers, having entered, brought furnaces and massy hammers and welded the bolts. They resolved to leave means neither of ingress nor egress to the sudden impulses of despair from without or of frenzy from within. The abbey was amply provisioned. With such precautions, the courtiers might bid defiance to contagion. The external world could take care of itself. In the meantime, it was folly to grieve, or to think. The prince had provided all the appliances of pleasure. There were buffoons, there were improvisatori, there were ballet dancers, there were musicians, there were cards, there was Beauty, there was wine. All these and security were within. Without was the "Red Death."

**Symbolism** - When an object or idea is used to convey a deeper meaning.

**Allegory** - A story that can be interpreted as having a deeper, hidden meaning.

What is the allegorical significance of Prince Prospero and his courtiers locking themselves away in the abbey while The Red Death plagues the kingdoms surrounding them?

A. Historically, the ruling class often viewed itself as separate or above the lower, working classes.

B. Royal courtiers were often very involved in the politics and lives of common people.

C. Times of famine and plague were often times filled with celebration and ceremony.

Answer :

Final answer:

Prince Prospero's retreat into the abbey during the plague illustrates the aristocracy's isolation and detachment from the suffering of the lower classes. His actions critique the ruling class's tendency to prioritize their own indulgence over the shared humanity of society. Ultimately, this isolation leads to spiritual decay and a failure to confront the harsh realities of life and death.


Explanation:

Allegorical Significance of Prince Prospero's Actions

The actions of Prince Prospero and his courtiers in The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe serve as a symbolic critique of the ruling class's detachment from the suffering of ordinary people during times of crisis. By retreating into the lavish abbey, the prince embodies the historical tendency of the aristocracy to isolate themselves from the calamities affecting the lower classes, viewing the plague as something that can be shut out rather than confronted. This behavior reflects a broader pattern in which aristocracies surround themselves with indulgence and security, remaining oblivious to the plight of those outside their walls.

The Allegory of Isolation

Prince Prospero's actions symbolize a lack of empathy and the inability to recognize shared humanity. This is underscored by historical realities where the nobility, secure in their fortresses, often ignored or dismissed the suffering of the lower classes. In times of crisis, they would indulge in celebration and excess, often at the expense of those in dire need. Ultimately, this disconnection between the rulers and the ruled is a central theme in the story, highlighting how the upper class often viewed themselves as separate from and superior to the working class.

The Consequences of Detachment

The result of such isolation is not just physical distancing but also spiritual and moral decay. Prince Prospero and his courtiers focus solely on their own pleasure and security, ignoring the inevitable reality of death that awaits them. Their method of coping is to create a fantastical bubble of enjoyment while overlooking the grim fate that befalls their subjects, reflecting an obliviousness to the human condition that can be seen in various historical contexts.


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