Edgar Allan Poe 
The Masque of the Red Death 

First published in a 1842 edition of Graham’s Lady’s and Gentleman’s Magazine, The Masque of the Red Death follows Prince Prospero’s attempts to avoid a dangerous plague, known as the Red Death, by hiding in his abbey. Indifferent to the suffering outside and believing he and his wealthy guests to be safe, Prospero hosts a masquerade ball, which is stalked by a mysterious stranger dressed as the Red Death. Often considered a gothic allegory, the story reflects on not only life and death but also the illusion of control. This classic of Gothic fiction was adapted into a 1964 film starring Vincent Price.