Final answer:
In 'The Masque of the Red Death,' characters often hide their true identities or wear metaphorical 'masks.' Prince Prospero, the masked figure, and the luxurious rooms all represent this theme.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Edgar Allan Poe's story The Masque of the Red Death, there are several ways in which people may not be what they seem, and characters may be wearing metaphorical 'masks.' One example is Prince Prospero, who presents himself as a noble and wealthy ruler, but is actually a selfish and uncaring individual.
Another example is the masked figure that appears at the masquerade party, representing the inevitability of death. Lastly, the rooms in the abbey, which are described as colorful and luxurious, serve as a veil to the outside world, hiding the reality of the impending Red Death.