E.A. Poe's "The Masque Of The Red Death"
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 storyExplanation
"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.Rate this question:
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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 lifeExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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 elseExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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; innocenceExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The ebony clock is symbolic of the passage of time towards death.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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 meaningExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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. TrueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The ebony clock stood against the:
- A.
Western wall
- B.
Eastern wall
- C.
Neither
Correct Answer
A. Western wallExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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 appearanceExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Pervade means:
- A.
To spread throughout
- B.
Fearless
- C.
Laid waste to
Correct Answer
A. To spread throughoutExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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 lifeExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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. HorrorExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Prince Prospero thought it was possible to escape:
- A.
Life
- B.
Love
- C.
Death
Correct Answer
C. DeathExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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. TrueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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.Rate this question:
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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 workExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 17, 2011Quiz Created by
Jfinney
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