Angel of Death

 “It was in this apartment, also that there stood against the western wall, a gigantic clock of ebony. Its pendulum swung to and fro with a dull, heavy, monotonous clang.” (43)-The Masque of the Red Death

This quote is very symbolic because not only does it signify the dread associated with the seventh apartment but it brings attention to the harsh aspects of reality. Poe was able to address that there is no escaping death and that we are all trying to avoid the ticking clock. The guests attending the party thought that by pretending that everything was going to be fine they would be able to escape the realization that the angel of death doesn’t care whether you are rich or poor, accepting or in denial. Poe deserves to be credited for the message he is able to draw attention to while adding to the suspenseful atmosphere of the story.