Answer :
Final answer:
The powerful and wealthy characters in 'The Masque of the Red Death' are depicted as insensitive towards the outbreak of the disease and the suffering of others.
Explanation:
Three parts of the excerpt from Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Masque of the Red Death' highlight the suggestion that the powerful and wealthy characters in the story are insensitive toward the outbreak of the disease and those who are suffering. First, the prince's decision to gather a thousand friends for a masked ball during the outbreak shows his disregard for the seriousness of the situation. Second, the prince's extensive preparations to isolate themselves from the disease and the statement that 'the external world could take care of itself' further emphasize their indifference towards the suffering of others. Finally, the mention of the luxuries and entertainment available within the castle while the 'Red Death' rages outside demonstrates the characters' detachment from the reality of the situation.
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