Answer :
Final answer:
In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," the excerpts illustrate the insensitivity of the wealthy, particularly through Prince Prospero's indulgence in pleasure while ignoring the suffering outside his quarters. This highlights the themes of moral failure and the consequences of detachment from societal responsibility. Overall, these passages reflect a critique of the powerful during a time of crisis.
Explanation:
Analysis of Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" Excerpt
In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," several parts of the passage highlight the insensitivity of the wealthy and powerful towards the disease ravaging their country. Here are three specific parts that emphasize this:
"The prince had provided all the appliances of pleasure. There were buffoons, there were improvisatori, there were ballet-dancers, there were musicians, there was Beau, there was wine." This excerpt illustrates how Prince Prospero indulged in orgies of entertainment while his subjects suffered outside the walls of his abbey, demonstrating a detachment from the harsh realities of the plague.
"The external world could take care of itself. In the meantime it was folly to grieve, or to think." Here, the prince's disdainful attitude shows a profound lack of empathy towards those suffering from the disease, as he prioritizes his lavish lifestyle over the lives of others.
"When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends." This signifies the egoism of the wealthy, who gather to celebrate in isolation while the rest of the population succumbs to the disease.
These selections together underscore the themes of moral failure and the dangers of ignoring the plight of others faced with catastrophe, reflecting Poe's critique of societal norms and the consequences of hedonism in times of crisis.
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