Question

What does the name Prince Prospero Symbolize?

Answer 1

Prince Prospero can also symbolize the superiority that man sometimes thinks he/she has.  Prince Prospero thought that by sequestering himself and his guests that he could somehow cheat death.  Only the higher social class was invited to his "ball," which represents how Prospero viewed this class as being more important than any others "below" it.  Prospero can also symbolize how out of touch the upper class was with the lower classes in society.  Perhaps Prospero and his revelers felt they deserved to live and the lower social classes did not simply because they had money and power.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Death affects all.

Answer 2

What does Prince Prospero symbolize in "The Masque of the Red Death"?