Question

Which of the following best expresses the theme, or main idea, of "The Masque of the Red Death"?

1) God punished sinners through the plague.
2) Death should be faced with courage.
3) Wealth offers no refuge from death.
4) Human beings are essentially selfish.

Answer 1

The theme that best represents 'The Masque of the Red Death' is that wealth offers no protection from death, which underscores the story's exploration of mortality during the Black Death era.

Step-by-step explanation:

The short story 'The Masque of the Red Death' by Edgar Allan Poe presents a vivid allegory of the inevitability and inescapability of death. The narrative revolves around Prince Prospero's attempt to avoid a deadly plague by secluding himself and his wealthy guests in an opulent abbey. Despite their efforts to elude the plague, it becomes clear that no amount of wealth or human ingenuity can prevent the eventual arrival of death. Among the options provided, the theme that 'Wealth offers no refuge from death' best captures the central theme of the story. This aligns with the broader artistic and literary responses to the reality of death during the time of the Black Death, where themes of mortality and the transient nature of life were common.