Which statement best describes how word choice creates the dreamlike tone in “The Masque of the Red Death”?

Which statement best describes how word choice creates the dreamlike tone in “The Masque of the Red Death”?
A) Descriptions emphasize the beauty of the party and enjoyment of the partygoers to create a fanciful effect.
B) Words like “phantasm,” “bizarre,” and “delirious” create a world that doesn’t seem real.
C) The emphasis on “madness” tells readers that this story is taking place within the narrator’s mind.
D) Words like “embellishments,” “fete,” and “masqueraders” create a surreal atmosphere.

Final answer:

The best description of how word choice creates a dreamlike tone in “The Masque of the Red Death” is through words such as “phantasm,” “bizarre,” and “delirious,” which evoke surreal and otherworldly connotations, engaging the reader’s imagination and effectively constructing the dreamlike mood.

Explanation:

The statement that best describes how word choice creates a dreamlike tone in “The Masque of the Red Death” is: Words like “phantasm,” “bizarre,” and “delirious” create a world that doesn’t seem real. Authors use diction or word choice to influence the tone of their narratives, guiding the emotions and reactions of readers. Edgar Allan Poe’s choice of words like “phantasm,” which connotes ghosts or supernatural apparitions, “bizarre” indicating strangeness, and “delirious” suggesting a feverish or frenzied state, together work to craft a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere in his story.

Considering the connotative level of language, these words evoke a sense of the unreal or otherworldly, consistent with the dreamlike tone the question implies. Additionally, the use of such language prompts readers to engage their imagination in ways that resemble the special effects of poetic drama, which often relies on spoken décor and descriptive language to create the setting and mood.

Furthermore, analyzing style and word choice in literature, such as Poe’s work, demonstrates how authors construct a particular tone or perception for their readers. It highlights the powerful role of diction in storytelling where the choice of specific words intensifies the desired effect, in this case, creating a dreamlike and surreal ambiance that pervades “The Masque of the Red Death.”

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