In his Theory of the Short Story, Poe writes that a skillful author should create "with deliberate care, a certain unique or single effect." (p.258) He then combines certain events that would help him in establishing this preconceived effect. Poe does follow his Theory of the Short Story in "The Masque of the Red Death." He creates the unique effect of horror. The story moves toward this effect very nicely. He uses symbolism to produce this effect. This is not the only technique that he used, but it is the one that he uses the most in creating this effect.

A big way that Poe creates an effect of scariness is through the way that he uses symbolism. Poe's story takes place in seven connected but carefully separated rooms. This symbolizes the significance of the number seven. Learning is divided into seven subjects. There are seven deadly sins...