In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," the story culminates in a powerful moment when the clock, a symbol of time and the inevitability of death, runs out. This signifies not just the end of a lavish party but the demise of all who sought to escape their fate. The connection between the clock and the characters highlights the fleeting nature of life, particularly for those living in denial of their mortality.

As the festivities come to a halt, darkness envelops the scene, and death claims its final victim among the revelers. The imagery of darkness, decay, and the Red Death suggests a complete dominance over existence, leaving no room for joy or escape. This reflects the underlying theme of Poe’s work: no matter how one tries to avoid it, death is an inevitable reality that ultimately prevails.