Essay on Setting in Poes The Masque (Mask) of the Red Death :: Mask Masque Red Death Essays

spend of Setting in The mask of the Red Death ...In the black house the effect of the fire-light that streamed upon the black hangings through the blood-tinted panes was ghastly in the extreme, and produced so mistaken a look upon the countenances of those who entered, that there were few of the company bold affluent to set foot within its precincts at all (210). This quote serves to demonstrates Edgar Allan Poes descriptive abilities. In The Masque of the Red Death Poe gives much detail rough the setting. Poe uses detail about the setting to make the story credible, to add jeering to the story, and to create an atmosphere appropriate for the appearance of the Red Death. In retrospect, The Masque of the Red Death is not a vary believable story. However, Poes translation of the setting presents the reader with such a realistic image of the impression that the reader cannot help but believe the story when basic it is first read. The reader is manipulated by the a uthor into believing that the story could actually be true. Poe accomplishes this manipulation by describing the setting in great detail. Seemingly half(a) of the story is setting, kinda than actual action. Poe begins with description of the Red Death, proceeds to describe the castellated abbey, and at last the imperial suit. By paying such close attention to detail, the author has created a believable image in the mind of the reader. The creation of such believable aspects of the story is important. Within this believable image, the unbelievable arrival of the masked fingerbreadth (the Red Death) gains credibility. Without such believable aspects, the arrival of such a presence would not be credible. Poe uses setting to create irony in the story. The description of the castellated abbey includes the facts that, a strong and lofty wall girdled it, and that the supply had been welded shut (209). Both the high wall and the welded gates were intended to go the Red Deat h out of the castle, when, ironically, they actually trapped it inside. Poe leaves clues to the reader that this whitethorn occur. He includes the statement that the welded gates prevent egress as wellspring as ingress. Furthermore, a girdle is typically used to hold something in, rather than keep something out.