What is the masquerade of the red death?

"The Masque of the Red Death" is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1842. The story follows Prince Prospero and his wealthy courtiers as they attempt to escape a deadly plague known as the "Red Death" by locking themselves in a luxurious abbey. As a form of entertainment, Prospero hosts a masquerade ball inside the abbey, where the guests, dressed in elaborate costumes, dance and socialize. The atmosphere is described as eerie and haunting, with black and red decorations and rooms designed to represent the stages of life. However, as the night progresses, the party-goers become increasingly unnerved by the appearance of a mysterious figure dressed as the Red Death. In the end, the revelers are unable to escape their fate and the Red Death claims them all. The story is often interpreted as an allegory for the unavoidable nature of death, regardless of wealth or social standing.