Answer :
Final answer:
The answer identifies three texts from Poe's excerpt that reflect the wealthy's insensitivity to the suffering caused by the plague. These selections indicate a preference for indulgence and ignorance over compassion. The theme of apathy among the privileged is clearly represented in these texts.
Explanation:
Selecting Texts from Edgar Allan Poe's Work
In the excerpt from Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death", three parts that highlight the insensitivity of the powerful and wealthy toward the outbreak of the disease and the suffering of others can be identified:
- "The prince had provided all the appliances of pleasure. There were buffoons, there were improvisatori, there were ballet-dancers, there were musicians, there was Beauty, there was wine." This part emphasizes the communication of extravagance and indulgence among the wealthy while the suffering is happening outside their cloistered walls.
- "In the meantime it was folly to grieve, or to think." This statement suggests that the prince and his court choose ignorance and distraction over empathy for those affected by the plague.
- "The external world could take care of itself." This phrase conveys the egocentrism and detachment of the privileged class, clearly indicating their refusal to acknowledge the plight of the suffering populace.
Through these selected passages, Poe illustrates the theme of apathy among the wealthy in the face of widespread disease and death.
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