Discuss the ways in which “The Masque of the Red Death” can be read as a parable about privilege, the idea that the rich and powerful can escape Death.

ENG 102 Essay 2
Write a
clear, well-developed, precise essay on one of the following topics:
1. Contrast the mental disturbance of
the narrators of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado.” What is
the nature of their disease? How does each one project his own fear or
lack onto another person, and how/why is he driven to destroy that person?
2. Discuss the ways in which “The Masque
of the Red Death” can be read as a parable about privilege, the idea
that the rich and powerful can escape Death.
3. “The Cask of Amontillado” is set in
“the supreme madness of Carnival season.” How does this particular setting,
with its festive costumes and masks, provide an appropriate framework for the
story’s themes of disguise and deception?
4. On the Montresor family crest, a
poisonous serpent is shown sinking his fangs into the foot of the heel that
crushes him. Explore how the serpent can be seen as a symbol for Montresor in
“The Cask of Amontillado.” How does he “tempt” Fortunato to his doom?
5. Discuss how the film The Masque of
the Red Death works as an adaptation of Poe’s short story. How do the
filmmakers use the details given in the story to develop the depiction of
Prince Prospero, his guests, and his castle?
6. Discuss the use of naming in Flannery
O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” How, after having recognized “The
Misfit,” does the grandmother attempt to change his label in order to
neutralize the threat he poses?

This essay
should be 3-5 double-spaced word-processed pages. Use .12 font. Your guidelines
are the same as for your first essay, and as noted in your ENG 102 Rubric.

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