In this question options, are not separated; here is the complete and correct question:
Which excerpt from "The Masque of the Red Death" best shows Prince Prospero’s self-centeredness?
A) It was in the eastern or blue chamber in which stood the Prince Prospero as he uttered these words. They rang throughout the seven rooms loudly and clearly, for the prince was a bold and robust man, and the music had become hushed at the waving of his hand.
B) It was then, however, that the Prince Prospero, maddening with rage and the shame of his own momentary cowardice, rushed hurriedly through the six chambers, while none followed him on account of a deadly terror that had seized upon all.
C) When the eyes of the Prince Prospero fell upon this spectral image (which, with a slow and solemn movement, as if more fully to sustain its role, stalked to and from among the waltzers) he was seen to be convulsed, in the first moment with a strong shudder either of terror or distaste; but, in the next, his brow reddened with rage.
D) But the Prince Prospero was happy and dauntless and sagacious. When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends from among the knights and dames of his court, and with these retired to the deep seclusion of one of his castellated abbeys.
The correct answer to this question is option D) But the Prince Prospero was happy and dauntless...
Explanation:
The word self-centered is used to describe individuals who only care about themselves, and therefore do not consider others' interests or welfare. This quality is shown by the Prince Propero because he did not care about the people in his territories that were dying due to the Red Death (a plague), and instead, he just hid in this abbey with some friend.
This idea is expressed in "When his dominions were half depopulated...and with these retired to the deep seclusion of one of his castellated abbeys" that shows the Prince only considered his interests.
