100-word response 1 reference
Melton
Option 5: Historical Connections
· What was happening around the time in which this piece was written?
· During this point in time, consumption (tuberculosis) had been running rampant. It is highly likely this short story was based upon this disease or even the bubonic plaque, known as the Black Death. (History 5)
· Provide information about a historical event that may have influenced this piece.
· The most significant event would possibly be the bubonic plaque. It could have even been tuberculosis a disease also known as consume. This disease was running rampant during Poe’s life. This piece showed that all are affected by diseases and that regardless of social status or effort to avoid, all are at the mercy of death in the end.
· What specific connections can be made between the piece and the event?
· This piece shows that all are at the mercy of the read death, much like the bubonic plaque. Regardless of the Prince taking all precautions and separating himself from the general population, the red death still kills the prince and his guest. This would be directly applicable to how over 1/3rd of the European populace fell victim to the bubonic plaque, and many of the nobles of that time periods untimely death. (History 1)
· What is the author’s attitude toward the event? Feel free to speculate (based on other evidence), if necessary.
· Edgar Allen Poe shows that we are all vulnerable, no matter the precautions you take or the will you have everyone is susceptible to death. Death does not discriminate, it will come for all. No matter your wealth or status, all are vulnerable.
· What values of the time period are being expressed and/or challenged in this piece?
· The values being expressed are very similar to this day, humans value money and social status, there’s a false belief these things prevent death or guarantee safety. The prince feels that he is safe due to taking precautions to isolate himself and guest from the red death, his tapestries are mainly bright and beautiful. Only one is of a dark tone and all the guest avoid this one, showing that everyone fears death. Poe shows that all are going to eventually die, regardless of status or wealth. This story reminds all that death will come for all, all we can do is enjoy life that we have.