How Does The Masque Of The Red Death Symbolize Fortunato's Death

“Cask of Amontillado” and “Masque of the Red Death,” by Edgar Allen Poe both utilize symbolism to demonstrate what leads to a premature or ill-timed death. In “Cask of Amontillado,” Poe uses Fortunato’s jester costume and the Amontillado as symbols. Fortunato’s costume is symbolically representative of what he is; a fool. He is a foolish man for committing the monstrous act worthy enough to warrant death by the hands of Montressor, as well as for trusting Montresor.This ultimately leads to Fortunato’s untimely demise, and allows the reader a villainous perspective to understand Montresor's need for revenge. The Amontillado, what Montresor uses to lure Fortunato into his trap, represents the causes of Fortunato’s death. Fortunato’s obliviousness due to his intoxication causes him to be unable to …show more content…
The masked Red Death, a cloaked, ghostly-looking man symbolizes the plague of the red death, as well as the inevitability of it. This symbol, paired with irony of the situation, demonstrates that although Prince Prospero locked himself in a castle to keep death out, it will always catch up with a person. No matter how luxurious or extravagantly a person’s home may be, no matter how privileged they are, death is unavoidable. The Clock, held in the black room, represents the ticking time of death. It is a constant reminder to all of the party guests. It is a thought that can not be escaped from, even in the most joyous of times. The reactions of the guests show the different ways death affects those near to it. The young are startled and terrified, as a young death is the most ill-timed of all. To the old it causes a feeling of contentedness, as well as slight worry. Both symbols eloquently remark on deaths unavoidable truths, and how it is always a premature experience. Poe’s stories both allow the reader to understand the instances of a mis-timed