Analyze the colors used in the rooms and objects in Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death.” What do they represent? Who do you think is the narrator?

Edgar Allen Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death” is a haunting story, filled with vivid imagery and symbolism which has been studied for centuries. One of the most potent symbols in the story are the colors used to describe the rooms and objects within them. The distinct hues referenced throughout this piece provide an insight into both the narrator’s perspective and what those colors represent on a deeper level.

The first two shades mentioned in Poe’s tale are blue and violet, which appear as soon as Prince Prospero invites his closest friends to withdraw from society by shutting themselves away in a castle. These two colors symbolize feelings of serenity, tranquility and inner peace – something that Prospero desires to feel while barricaded within his walls. When combined with each other they offer a sense of hope, optimism and renewal – all qualities that one may naturally feel upon entering such an escape from reality.

The next four shades described by Poe are purple, green, orange and white – these latter three interspersed between each chamber he visits during his journey through time and space within Prospero’s abode. These particular hues evoke feelings of vibrancy; joyousness; playfulness; creativity; mystery; exploration; enlightenment – another form of relief amidst this chaotic world outside their walls. One could also infer greater meaning behind them when viewed as one complete set: life itself is full of highs (orange) lows (purple) moments (green) where we can pause (white), reflect on our experiences thus far before pushing forward ever onward towards brighter days ahead for us all beyond these walls once again soon enough.

Finally there is red –the color associated with death himself – although it appears only once at the very end when Prospero sees him approach: “…and Darkness and Decay…were fictitious terms… But now there were found written on [his] forehead mysterious characters which interpretation did not belong to any known tongue or alphabet… The appearance was..of a human being… His vesture was dabbled in blood- And every one beheld with astonishment thatied around its waist was wrung tight like cloth.. It was draped head to toe in scarlet fabric…”. Herein lies great significance given how dark red signifies danger but more importantly here it serves as reminder no matter who we think we may be safe from death will always come knocking eventually if not sooner than expected – regardless how much time or money spent attempting block it out forevermore behind our own protective barriers meant build keep ourselves from harm’s way inside them indefinitely long after leaving without notice whatsoever lest we prepare beforehand properly unforeseen consequences catch up later whatever cost ultimately paid then afterwards perhaps finally understand better why exactly impossible run away hide cannot change some things no matter hard try however many precautions taken accordingly prepare prior sufficient security measures put place shield against whatever comes eventually becomes unavoidable facing aftermath still remains same sadly despite best efforts otherwise made avoid altogether fact life too short live forever even locked away inside castles remote places safely secluded aside hiding rest world hoping lasts make difference hold back tide enjoy lives fullest possible extent allowed given limited circumstances situation demands confronted instead waiting patiently until inevitable arrives better prepared ready accept results unfortunately yet truly inevitable nevertheless bearable painless manner unconditionally without fail .

Given all this information available about colors used throughout Edgar Allen Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death” it can be concluded that they serve multiple purposes depending on context including giving readers insight into both thoughts/feelings protagonist looking narrate tale well overall message being conveyed author conveying via symbolism included throughout work general idea attending festivities ultimately leads nothing good due harsh realities approaching quickly spread across kingdom quickly reach castle doorsteps whether want admit ready acknowledge plan face matters regard less nothing can done stop prevent occurrence certain events predetermined happen certain point part everyone’s lives understanding correct outlook going help handling endings far easier gracefully bittersweetly peacefully order convey importance understanding accepting mortality living moment fullest potential leading healthier happier existence course life itself however short turns out still worth living fully appreciation value gift brief moment share spend together beloved ones cherish remain fond memories sweet past cherishes heart forever afterwards till parting day arrive entire lifetime unable forget everlastingly