Skip to content

And the life of the ebony clock went out with that of the…

“And the life of the ebony clock went out with that of the last of the gay. And the flames of the tripods expired. And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.” quote by Edgar Allan Poe
Download Open image
“And the life of the ebony clock went out with that of the last of the gay. And the flames of the tripods expired. And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.”

Edgar Allan Poe

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem describes a world plunged into darkness and decay, where time and life cease under a dominating, ominous force.

In simple terms: Darkness and death dominate a dying world.

Key Takeaway

Contemplate the fragility of existence.

Themes

mortality decay darkness apocalypse

Mood

somber intense

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • literature
  • gothic fiction
  • philosophical discourse

Key Concepts

nihilism existential dread

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the "Red Death" symbolize?
  • How does this reflect human fear of oblivion?
A Different Perspective

The vivid imagery may be overly bleak for some readers.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Edgar Allan Poe

Explore all 615 Edgar Allan Poe quotes

More Clock quotes

Browse all 2,738 Clock quotes