Vocabulary in The Masque of the Red Death

A deadly, rapidly spreading disease that kills large numbers of people; here used to describe the Red Death as a plague devastating the land.

A visible embodiment or physical manifestation of an abstract force or concept, such as a disease or idea made flesh.

Showing no fear in the face of danger or difficulty; boldly fearless and undeterred by the threat around him.

Having or showing keen practical judgment and wisdom; shrewd and far-sighted in planning or decision-making.

Built with battlements and turrets in the style of a medieval castle, giving a fortified, imposing appearance.

A means or point of entry into a place; the act or right of going in, here sealed off to keep the plague out.

A means or point of exit from a place; the act or right of going out, here also sealed to prevent anyone from leaving.

A festive gathering or ball at which guests wear masks and elaborate costumes to disguise their identities.

An ornate, fantastically intricate design or figure, often involving intertwined flowing lines; here describing wildly complex decorative or costumed figures.

Unrestrained and extravagant in behavior or appearance; here suggesting reckless, undisciplined excess in the costumes and revelry.

Characterized by luxury, sensual pleasure, and indulgence; relating to an atmosphere of rich, pleasurable excess.

A metal container or stand that holds burning coals or fire, used here as the sole source of light within each vaulted corridor.

A pleasantly sharp, stimulating, or provocative quality; here referring to the exciting, unsettling edge that the unusual lighting and décor gave to the scene.

To disturb the composure or confidence of someone; to unsettle or throw into confusion, as the masked figure's appearance does to the revelers.

Clothing or costume, especially garments suited to a particular occasion or role; here the elaborate, ghastly dress of the mysterious figure.

Inspiring reverence and admiration because of great dignity or importance; here used ironically of the prince's commanding, self-important bearing.

Obstructed or slowed down the progress of something; here meaning the unusual room layout made free movement through the suite difficult.

Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality; the sense of what is socially correct or fitting in conduct.

A complete stopping or ending of something; here the total halt of the music and dancing when the clock strikes and the strange figure appears.

A person's face or facial expression, especially as it reflects their mood or character; here the horrifying face-like surface of the masked figure.

Showing contemptuous disrespect for something considered sacred or deeply serious; here describing the figure's mockery of death and suffering through costume.

Shortly afterward; before long — an archaic or literary word meaning 'soon' or 'in a little while.'

People who are enjoying themselves noisily and extravagantly at a party or celebration; the guests taking part in the prince's masquerade.

An illusion, ghost, or terrifying apparition that seems real but is not of the natural world; here the mysterious masked figure perceived as a supernatural presence.

Real and able to be touched or physically grasped; here contrasting the figure's seeming ghostliness with the shocking discovery that it has actual physical substance.