Simple Linguistics in 19th Century Literature

“The Masque of the Red Death” - Edgar Allan Poe

Immediately I found the Gothic, yet fable-like tone of “The Masque of the Red Death” intriguing. A short, yet impeccable story with morally destitute characters and objective narration. “The Masque (or Mask as it was originally printed) of the Red Death” evokes a time of gruesome cautionary tales told to children in the darkness of candle light. Of course that is the appeal of virtually all Poe stories, but there are many clues to indicate the sway of fairy tales within his writing. A popular technique of the time was to name characters by their qualities, such is the case with Nathaniel Hawthorne in The Scarlet Letter, with characters like Roger Chillingworth and Pearl. It was customary for a writer of that era to invent names that reflected the personality or symbolism of a character. Much of this popularity can be linked to the release of Children's and Household Tales earlier in that same century. Cinderella reflects a character who sleeps in a fireplace, Snow White a girl with a pale complexion, and so on. Edgar Allan Poe appropriately names his character Prince Prospero, a rich and happy noble, in “The Masque of the Red Death.” Despite horrid and despicable events within the story the narration is aloof, simply stating the people, events, and scenery nonchalantly. Poe describes his heartless protagonist as “peculiar,” and “bizarre,” making sure to italicize the word several times, rather than uncaring or cruel. Not once does Poe pass judgment on the Prince's licentious and untimely partying, more than to call them “unusual,” and “wanton.” This type of tone is seen frequently in fairy tales or folklore. Impersonal and almost child-like narration such as “There were buffoons, there were improvisatori, there were ballet-dancers, there were musicians, there was Beauty, there was wine,” is apparent in most of the climbing action of the story, making the ending so powerful. The short story concludes with a memorable image to sear in a moral. All such things indicate the influence of the recent Grimm Brothers' publication. Even the title is straightforward and reflects elements of the story like that of a fairy tale, for example “The Mouse, The Bird, and The Sausage,” or “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” However, the references to Hernani, and Herod the Great from the New Testament makes the story engaging for adults. Political commentary concerning nobility, also appeals to more mature audiences. The story borrows typical fairy tale features to create a humbling tale for adults.