E.A. Poe's "The Masque Of The Red Death"

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E.A. Poes "The Masque Of The Red Death" - Quiz

A quiz to take as a pre and post test for the short story.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The genre of "The Masque of the Red Death" is: 

    • A.

      Play

    • B.

      Short story

    • C.

      Novel

    • D.

      Poem

    Correct Answer
    B. Short story
    Explanation
    "The Masque of the Red Death" is a short story because it is a fictional narrative that is relatively brief in length. It tells a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end, focusing on a specific event or set of events. Unlike a play, it is not intended to be performed on stage with actors. It is also not a novel, which is typically much longer and explores multiple plotlines and characters in depth. Lastly, it is not a poem, as it does not utilize poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.

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  • 2. 

    Prince Prospero symbolizes:

    • A.

      The good fortune of life

    • B.

      Death

    • C.

      Old age

    • D.

      Nature

    Correct Answer
    A. The good fortune of life
    Explanation
    Prince Prospero symbolizes the good fortune of life because throughout the story, he is portrayed as a wealthy and powerful individual who is able to isolate himself from the horrors of the outside world. His opulent and extravagant lifestyle represents the privileges and pleasures that come with a life of abundance and prosperity. However, this symbol is ultimately subverted as the story unfolds and the Red Death infiltrates Prospero's masquerade, reminding him and the readers that no amount of wealth or power can protect against the inevitability of death.

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  • 3. 

    As used in literature, a symbol is:

    • A.

      Something that stands for itself and something else

    • B.

      Extreme exaggeration

    • C.

      A comparison between two things using "like" or "as"

    • D.

      What begins the action of a story

    Correct Answer
    A. Something that stands for itself and something else
    Explanation
    In literature, a symbol is a representation of something that goes beyond its literal meaning. It is a device used by authors to convey deeper meanings and themes in their work. A symbol can stand for itself, representing its literal form, but it also carries additional symbolic significance, representing abstract ideas, emotions, or concepts. This allows readers to interpret the text on multiple levels and adds depth and complexity to the story.

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  • 4. 

    The eastern room, the blue room, may be symbolic of:

    • A.

      Birth and infancy; innocence

    • B.

      Old age

    • C.

      Death

    Correct Answer
    A. Birth and infancy; innocence
    Explanation
    The blue room in the eastern part of a house is often associated with new beginnings, purity, and innocence. It represents birth and infancy, as well as the early stages of life when one is untainted by the complexities of the world. The color blue is commonly associated with calmness and tranquility, further emphasizing the idea of innocence. Therefore, the blue room can be seen as a symbolic representation of birth and infancy, as well as the purity and innocence that comes with it.

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  • 5. 

    The ebony clock is symbolic of the passage of time towards death.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because the ebony clock is a symbol used in literature to represent the inevitability of death and the passing of time. Ebony is a dark and dense wood, often associated with mourning and darkness. The clock, with its constant ticking, serves as a reminder of the finite nature of life and the impending approach of death. Therefore, the ebony clock in this context is a symbol of the passage of time towards death.

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  • 6. 

    An allegory is a:

    • A.

      Short story turned into a play

    • B.

      A poem

    • C.

      A work with two layers of meaning

    Correct Answer
    C. A work with two layers of meaning
    Explanation
    An allegory is a literary work that uses symbols and metaphors to convey a deeper meaning. It has two layers of meaning - the literal or surface level, and the symbolic or deeper level. The story or poem may have characters, events, or settings that represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. Through these symbolic elements, the author intends to communicate a message or teach a lesson to the readers. The use of allegory allows for a more complex and nuanced exploration of themes and ideas, making it a powerful literary device.

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  • 7. 

    Initially, the characterts in the story find refuge from the Red Death in the prince's "castellated abbey."

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In the story, the characters indeed find refuge from the Red Death in the prince's "castellated abbey." This is evident when the prince invites a thousand of his noble friends to join him in the abbey in order to escape the deadly disease. The abbey is described as having strong walls and iron gates, which symbolize protection and safety from the outside world. Therefore, the statement is true.

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  • 8. 

    The ebony clock stood against the:

    • A.

      Western wall

    • B.

      Eastern wall

    • C.

      Neither

    Correct Answer
    A. Western wall
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "western wall" because the phrase "stood against" implies that the ebony clock was positioned in front of or facing the western wall.

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  • 9. 

    Grotesque means:

    • A.

      Having a bizarre, fantastic appearance

    • B.

      The tail end of romanticism

    • C.

      The lack of restrictions

    Correct Answer
    A. Having a bizarre, fantastic appearance
    Explanation
    Grotesque refers to something that has a strange, unusual, or bizarre appearance. It is often associated with distorted or exaggerated features, creating a sense of fantasy or absurdity. This term is commonly used to describe artistic works that depict unconventional or grotesque figures. It does not refer to the tail end of romanticism or the lack of restrictions.

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  • 10. 

    Pervade means:

    • A.

      To spread throughout

    • B.

      Fearless

    • C.

      Laid waste to

    Correct Answer
    A. To spread throughout
    Explanation
    Pervade means to spread throughout. This word implies the act of something or someone spreading or diffusing in a pervasive manner, reaching and influencing every part or aspect of a particular area, situation, or object. It suggests a wide and comprehensive distribution or presence, indicating that something has permeated or saturated a given space or context.

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  • 11. 

    What is the allegorical meaning of the seven rooms?

    • A.

      The seven ages, or "stages," of life

    • B.

      Party decorations to enliven the mood of the ball

    • C.

      Prince Prospero had a huge mansion

    Correct Answer
    A. The seven ages, or "stages," of life
    Explanation
    The allegorical meaning of the seven rooms in the story is that they represent the seven stages of life. Each room is decorated in a different color, starting with blue for birth and ending with black for death. This symbolism suggests that life is a progression through different stages, with each stage having its own unique experiences and challenges. The rooms also serve as a reminder of the inevitability of death, as the partygoers eventually succumb to the Red Death in the final black room.

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  • 12. 

    All the details in the story are Poe's way of creating a sense of:

    • A.

      Horror

    • B.

      Amusement

    • C.

      Confusion

    Correct Answer
    A. Horror
    Explanation
    The details in the story, as created by Poe, are meant to evoke a feeling of horror. Poe was known for his mastery in crafting dark and unsettling narratives, and he often used vivid descriptions and eerie imagery to create a sense of fear and terror in his readers. By carefully selecting and presenting these details, Poe effectively builds an atmosphere of horror throughout the story, immersing the reader in a world of dread and suspense.

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  • 13. 

    Prince Prospero thought it was possible to escape:

    • A.

      Life

    • B.

      Love

    • C.

      Death

    Correct Answer
    C. Death
    Explanation
    Prince Prospero believed that it was possible to escape death. This is evident from his actions in the story "The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe. He secluded himself and his guests in a fortified abbey, thinking that by doing so, they could avoid the deadly plague that was ravaging the country. However, in the end, death catches up with them all, symbolizing the inevitability of mortality and the futility of trying to escape it.

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  • 14. 

    Prince Prospero reacted so violently towards the Red Death because he couldn't come to grips with his own mortality.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Prince Prospero's violent reaction towards the Red Death can be attributed to his inability to accept the reality of his own mortality. This suggests that he was in denial about the inevitability of death, and his extreme response may have been a defense mechanism to shield himself from the fear and anxiety associated with facing his own demise. By reacting violently, Prince Prospero demonstrates his desperate attempt to control or escape the concept of death, further highlighting his inability to come to terms with his own mortality.

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  • 15. 

    "And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all" is another, more formal, way of saying:

    • A.

      "Death held power over everyone"

    • B.

      "Death only strikes when you fear it"

    • C.

      "Death comes when one least expects it"

    Correct Answer
    A. "Death held power over everyone"
    Explanation
    The phrase "And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all" suggests that death had complete and unlimited control over everyone. The use of words like "illimitable dominion" emphasizes the extent and power of death's control, indicating that it had power over every individual.

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  • 16. 

    Allusion is:

    • A.

      The repetition of consonant sounds

    • B.

      A point by point comparison

    • C.

      An indirect reference to a person, place, or literary work

    Correct Answer
    C. An indirect reference to a person, place, or literary work
    Explanation
    Allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, or literary work. It is a literary device that allows writers to refer to something without explicitly stating it. By using allusion, authors can evoke emotions, create connections, or add depth to their writing by relying on the reader's knowledge and understanding of the referenced person, place, or work. This technique adds layers of meaning and can enhance the reader's experience by drawing on existing cultural or literary references.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following statements from the story is a biblical allusion:

    • A.

      "who dares insult us with this blasphemou mockery?"

    • B.

      "He had come like a thief in the night."

    • C.

      "But in spite of these things it was a gay and magnificant revel."

    Correct Answer
    B. "He had come like a thief in the night."
    Explanation
    The statement "He had come like a thief in the night" is a biblical allusion. This phrase references a passage from the Bible in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, which states, "For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." The phrase is often used to describe someone or something that arrives unexpectedly or without warning, just as a thief would.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 17, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Jfinney
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