In The Masque of the Red Death, a prince holds a masquerade ball while a deadly plague is ravaging his country, wiping out half of the population. The prince secludes himself inside his castle while the disease spreads. The castle, designed by the prince, is representative of his odd taste. The castle houses musicians, ballet dancers, wine and other things of beauty, while outside of the castle there is nothing but the Red Death. Iron gates surround the castle, giving the prince the illusion that he is protected from contagion. After half a year of his seclusion, Prince Prospero invites guests to join him for a party in his castle, the one place that he feels safe from contamination.

The Red Death, a deadly plague, hits victims with sharp pains and dizziness and, as the illness overtakes the victim, blood begins to seep out of...