"The Masque of the Red Death" in told in such a way that its story takes on an almost Biblical tone, recounting a tale of sin, punishment by God and Apocalypse. The story opens with a description of a "pestilence," which, by the end, has wiped out all human life. Such a devastating "pestilence" evokes biblical implications, as plague or pestilence in the Bible is sent down by God to punish humans for their sins. As a parable reminiscent of a Biblical story, "The Masque of the Red Death" is a tale of a divine punishment of those who are oblivious to the suffering of others less fortunate than themselves.

The response of Prince Prospero to the pestilence of the Red Death which has "devastated" his country is one of decadence. In other words, he responds to the massive suffering of people less privileged and powerful than...