Short Story Reading Guide
The Masque of the Red Death
by Edgar Allan Poe
Est. Time
45-60 mins
Level
B2
Themes
Death, Inevitability, Wealth
1Quick Reading Guide
Warm Up
What do the 7 room colors symbolize? (Provide a color chart).
Reading
"Symbol Hunt": In groups, find 3 clues for one assigned room.
Evidence
Find textual evidence supporting "You can’t lock out death."
Discussion
Compare the story to real-world events or social class issues.
2Scaffolds for Support
Sentence Starters
- •"The clock symbolizes..."
- •"Prince Prospero thinks he is safe because..."
- •"The Red Death represents..."
3Vocabulary & Grammar
Key Words
pestilenceseclusionmasqueradegrotesquechamberebonypendulumapparitionrevelrycrimson
Grammar Focus
Imagery (Sensory details, colors)
4Writing Task
Symbol Analysis Paragraph
Choose one symbol (The Clock, The Red Rooms, The Stranger) and explain its meaning.
Rubric Checklist
- Identify the symbol
- Explain the meaning
- Cite 2 pieces of evidence