What is the Archetype found in this story, and where in the text is it found?

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litteacher8 | High School Teacher | (Level 3) Distinguished Educator

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An archetype is a classic character that appears over and over throughout literature and myths. For example, there is the inexperienced hero, the wise oracle, or the lady in distress. In the story “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe I will give you two examples of archetypes.

Death personified is the first archetype. That means that death is a common character in literature. Think of the Grim Reaper, a character we all know.  Near the end of the story, Death appears to Prospero and is described this way:


A character with a fatal flaw is also an archetype. This means that a character has a personality flaw that causes him or her to make bad decisions. Prince Prospero’s fatal flaw is selfishness and pride.  When everyone around him is dying, the prince holds a party.


By using archetypes, Poe makes his story seem timeless. We recognize what will happen to Prince Propsero, because we know he has a fatal flaw. We recognize Death, because we know he is a common spooky character.

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