Answer :
Final answer:
In Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," key excerpts highlight the insensitivity of the wealthy towards the suffering caused by the plague. Notably, Prince Prospero's decision to party while his realm suffers, his dismissal of grief, and the isolation of the abbey from the external crisis all reflect a profound lack of empathy. Together, these elements convey a critique of the upper class's indifference in the face of widespread death and despair.
Explanation:
Identifying Insensitivity in Poe's Excerpt
In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," several passages illustrate the insensitivity of the wealthy towards the devastating impact of the plague. Here are three key parts of the excerpt that highlight this theme:
- "When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends..."
This line emphasizes the disconnection of Prince Prospero from the suffering of his subjects. While much of his realm is affected by death, he chooses to celebrate, illustrating a profound insensitivity to those who suffer.
- "The external world could take care of itself. In the meantime it was folly to grieve, or to think."
This quote reflects the arrogance of the prince and his guests. They are so preoccupied with their own pleasures that they disregard the plight of others, treating grief as a distraction rather than an appropriate response to tragedy.
- "The prince had provided all the appliances of pleasure... All these and security were within. Without was the 'Red Death.'"
This part contrasts the opulence of the abbey, where the prince and his guests revel, with the horror outside. Their retreat into luxury signifies their failure to empathize with the suffering occurring just beyond their walls.
These examples collectively depict the wealthy as selfishly indifferent to the suffering of others during a crisis, underscoring the main theme of the excerpt.
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