The correct option is C
The story takes place in the crenelated abbey of the "intrepid, happy and shrewd" Prince Prospero. Prospero and 1000 other nobles have taken refuge in this abbey to escape the red death, a terrible plague with frightening symptoms that has spread over the earth. The victims are overcome by "acute pains," "sudden dizziness," and hematidrosis, and die in less than half an hour. Prospero and his court are indifferent to the sufferings of the population in general; they intend to wait for the end of the plague in luxury and safety behind the walls of their shelter, after having welded the closed doors.