1. What is the "Red Death? Explain how it affects its victims. 2. Briefly describe the seven rooms in which the masked ball is held.

3. Describe the clock that stands in the seventh room. What happens each time the clock chimes?

4. How are the guests dressed for the ball? What are some words Poe uses to describe their appearance?

5. How does Prince Prospero react to the midnight guest? What happens to the prince? To his guests?

6. In your opinion, what does Prince Prospero’s response to the "red Death" reveal about his character?

7. Why do you think the prince decorated the rooms the way he did?

8. What do you think the clock symbolizes?

9. How is the appearance of the "midnight guest" similar to that of the other guests? How is it different?

10. At the end of the story, Poe alludes to a biblical pro