Final answer:
The major theme in 'The Masque of the Red Death' is that death is unavoidable, regardless of one's wealth or power. This is reflected as the wealthy characters, despite their efforts, cannot escape the inevitability of death, which serves as the great equalizer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best identifies a major theme in 'The Masque of the Red Death' by Edgar Allan Poe is: B. Death is unavoidable, regardless of one's wealth or power. This theme is central to the story as it unfolds within the confines of Prince Prospero's fortress, wherein he and his wealthy guests attempt to evade the deadly plague known as the Red Death. Despite their efforts to escape mortality and their use of wealth to create a semblance of security, death proves to be inexorable and all-encompassing, claiming everyone without regard to their social status. The narrative illustrates the inescapability of death, a common theme in literature, and suggests that death is the great equalizer, impacting all individuals equally.