Red Death Allusions

Hernani is actually a play written by Victor Hugo in the 1830's. It's appearance in France gave it this theatrical effect. Theatrical meaning garish, huge, and elegant; so, Poe's reference to this play suggests to his readers that he wants to convey the thoughts associated with Hernani. In addition, masquerade is a very elegant and massive "party." Prince Prospero's castle is described as "glare", "glitter", and "piquancy." Then, Poe directly compares these concepts with the play Hernani to emphasize its audacious outlook. Furthermore, the play was either a hit or failure in the eyes of some people because of its daring approach. Therefore, Poe is indirectly saying that this castle has daring colors and themes, in hopes of conveying the atmosphere of the castle.

The phrase "like a thief in the night" is actually an allusion to a passage from the Bible. It is referring to Jesus Christ when he states that he will return "like a thief in the night." This means that he will return inevitably and will come at the time least expected. The reason Poe uses this specific line from the Bible is because he wishes to convey that the Red Death came when Prince Prospero least expected it. Additionally, Prince Prospero went through dramatic extents to evade death; however, by referring to this phrase it is basically saying that death is inevitable and no one can escape it; a thief will eventually rob, just as death will eventually kill.

Herod is actually a king, who attempted to kill Jesus by killing numerous innocent babies. He killed all of these innocent babies just to attempt to try to kill Jesus. Obviously King Herod paints a gruesome image of himself. Since this "figure" (the red death) has "out-Heroded Herod" it shows that this "figure" is even more gruesome compared to the horrible King Herod. Therefore, Poe makes an allusion to this king to emphasize the fearfulness of the red death. Because of the fact that he "out Heroded Herod" it shows that even the figure is more fearing than Herod himself. Thus, emphasizing the fearfulness and daunting outlook the red death has.