Final answer:
The appearance of the Red Death in Prince Prospero's abbey symbolizes the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appearance of the Red Death within Prince Prospero's abbey can be interpreted as a metaphor for the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it.
Despite the abbey being sealed off from the outside world, the Red Death managed to infiltrate the party, symbolizing the inescapable nature of death.
The Red Death represents the consequences of the characters' lavish lifestyle and their attempt to shield themselves from the harsh realities of the world. It serves as a reminder that death is a universal and indiscriminate force.