THE ASQUE OF THE RED DEATH

Symbolism
The seven colored rooms are thought to represent the seven stages of
life. They begin in the east and head west like the sun toward the
end of the day.

Birth Spring and Summer and Impending

Death Autumn death
Growth Youth
Old age
Ariadnne Bernal
 THE LOTTERY
Symbolism

The box represents tradition for the villagers. Even

though it is deteriorating and Mr. Summers
discusses making a new one every year, the
villagers do not like to upset tradition. They know
that in the box are the slips of paper that we
decide that your fates. That makes it a symbol of
power over life and death as well.

The stones give them the power over someone’s

life and death, which is a significant moment in
their lives. The stones are a source of fear as well as
power and camaraderie. The switch from a very
orderly, structured, lottery drawing with paper to
the stones also represents the village’s frightening

The black dot represent independent death. For

Tessie, the dot means she has been chosen to die
in this twisted, festive event. The dot also brings to
an end: the “fairness “ she found in all of the
lotteries she’s participated in before now.

Ariadnne Bernal