Are all clocks symbolic of time? In “The Masque of the Red Death” this is exactly the case. The clock is found in the room that defines the best Gothic literature, which adds to the idea that the clock will play a role. Since the rooms symbolize time and the clock is in the room that reminds of death, the clock reminds of the time of life; which is shown with "And the life of the ebony clock snuffed out with that of the last gay." (Poe). This quote uses personification to bring the clock to life, comparing it to the life of a human being. The story ends with the sound of the clock ending as the last man is killed. The clock is very homage to the era of Gothic literature, as it represents death in it