Poe spends a lot of time describing the rooms and I thought his detailed description of the windows of the rooms was symbolic. Does anybody know what windows may symbolize?
Windows are meant to allow people to see out of them but not let anything in or out of the house. So, the windows here could symbolize the fact that Prince Prospero and his friends can clearly see that there are people dying, yet they are safe (or so they think) with the windows closed. The colors of the windows are obviously significant too. Poe says that they are all of stained glass. The different colors could also represent the distorted view of the outside world. While the red death is outside, the people inside only see blue through the blue panes, or yellow through the yellow panes, and so on. The black room is the only room where the windows aren't the same color as the walls- they're red. As we said in class, Prospero and his friends can't ignore death in this room, which is because the window panes are red, and show the real color of what is happening outside.
I feel that the windows represent the inevitable connection between Prospero's fortress and the rest of his kingdom. For all of Prospero's efforts, he is still not able to hide from the outside world and the windows are one such example of his failure.
I think we're over thinking it. I think the window imagery just adds to the larger concept of the colored rooms. I don't think they necessarily symbolize something themselves.
Windows are meant to allow people to see out of them but not let anything in or out of the house. So, the windows here could symbolize the fact that Prince Prospero and his friends can clearly see that there are people dying, yet they are safe (or so they think) with the windows closed. The colors of the windows are obviously significant too. Poe says that they are all of stained glass. The different colors could also represent the distorted view of the outside world. While the red death is outside, the people inside only see blue through the blue panes, or yellow through the yellow panes, and so on. The black room is the only room where the windows aren't the same color as the walls- they're red. As we said in class, Prospero and his friends can't ignore death in this room, which is because the window panes are red, and show the real color of what is happening outside.
ReplyDeleteThat's just my thoughts, but I hope it helps!
-Audrey
The stained glass can also show more of the decadence of the prince.
ReplyDelete-Audrey again
I feel that the windows represent the inevitable connection between Prospero's fortress and the rest of his kingdom. For all of Prospero's efforts, he is still not able to hide from the outside world and the windows are one such example of his failure.
ReplyDelete-Bryce C.
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ReplyDeleteI think we're over thinking it. I think the window imagery just adds to the larger concept of the colored rooms. I don't think they necessarily symbolize something themselves.
ReplyDelete-Colin