Read the excerpt from "The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe.

But these other apartments were densely crowded, and in them beat feverishly the heart of life. And the revel went whirlingly on, until at length there commenced the sounding of midnight upon the clock. And then the music ceased, as I have told; and the evolutions of the waltzers were quieted; and there was an uneasy cessation of all things as before. But now there were twelve strokes to be sounded by the bell of the clock; and thus it happened, perhaps, that more of thought crept, with more of time, into the meditations of the thoughtful among those who reveled. And thus, too, it happened, perhaps, that before the last echoes of the last chime had utterly sunk into silence, there were many individuals in the crowd who had found leisure to become aware of the presence of a masked figure which had arrested the attention of no single individual before. And the rumor of this new presence having spread itself whisperingly around, there arose at length from the whole company a buzz, or murmur, expressive of disapprobation and surprise—then, finally, of terror, of horror, and of disgust.

Based on the details in the excerpt, what is the primary purpose of this passage?

to amuse
to inform
to thrill
to warn

The primary purpose or objective of this passage by Edgar Allan is to thrill the readers. Therefore, option (c) or (iii): "to thrill" is the correct answer.

What is the purpose of the passage?

Both literally and allegorically, death is the subject of Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Masque of the Red Death."

Prince Prospero sought refuge from death but was unable to be saved. He planned a celebration and invited guests from his kingdom. He gave the instruction to paint each hall a different color.

The windows in the final hall were painted red, while the walls were painted black, which represents death. There was an ebony clock that caught everyone's eye as each hour passed.

Even though everyone was busy enjoying the celebration with music and an orchestra, everyone's attention was drawn to the clock every hour when it rang.

Poe's description of the chambers, the clock, its chiming, the activities of the individuals, and the entrance of death into the party in an ominous tone suggest that death will occur in the play. The play's primary theme is death.

Poe wishes to draw attention to the fact that no one can be saved from death by using any method. The readers are thrilled by his addition of gothic experience.

Hence, option (c): "to thrill" is the correct answer.

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