Compare the excerpt from Snow’s "On the Mode of Communication of Cholera" to Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.” Although both

Both Snow's and Poe's texts focus on a similar theme centered around a deadly epidemic but approach it with differing aims, structures, and tones. The work by Snow is largely persuasive and at times expository, with his primary objective being to effectively convey that cholera is waterborne. He backs up this assertion with ample evidence and statistical details, rectifying common misconceptions and prompting readers to contemplate additional associated factors regarding the illness. This is highlighted when he states that diseases should not be defined too narrowly, as they may be transmitted in various ways. His initial suspicions about cholera's spread emerged after he observed the locations of the outbreak, including the street-pump. Conversely, Poe’s narrative serves as a fictional allegory, personifying the deadly illness affecting the city, with the central aim of amusement while emphasizing that wealth cannot grant immunity from calamity or death. The vivid and illustrative descriptions make the story captivating, illustrating the extravagant parties of a duke characterized by idiosyncratic tastes. Some might label him insane, yet his close followers affirm his mental stability, critical to grasping his bizarre actions. In his story, Poe also provides commentary on the superficiality and heartlessness of the upper class toward those afflicted by the epidemic, conveying that no degree of wealth can protect individuals from significant trials, reinforcing the notion that the duke faces dire consequences for his own selfish actions.

Snow's and Poe's works tackle the same subject of a severe epidemic but differ in tone, intent, and format. "On the Mode of Communication of Cholera" is primarily persuasive yet contains expository elements. Snow aims to illustrate that cholera transmission occurs via water, supporting his claims with evidence and statistical analysis, addressing misconceptions, and encouraging consideration of various disease-related factors. His argument can be encapsulated with the idea that communicable diseases have diverse modes of transmission. Upon analyzing the cholera outbreak, he suspected contamination from a frequented street-pump, discovering that nearly all fatalities were concentrated near that source, with reports indicating that sixty-one deceased individuals consumed water from the pump. In contrast, Poe’s narrative is fictional, anthropomorphizing the lethal disease that afflicts the city. The intent of his allegory is primarily to entertain while highlighting that wealth and power do not safeguard against misfortune or death. Poe employs colorful, vivid language to create an engaging experience for readers, featuring a lavish and extravagant event orchestrated by the duke, whose distinct tastes defy mere fashion. While some may perceive him as mad, those close to him recognize his sanity, which is confirmed by the necessity to experience his presence directly. He designed much of the event's aesthetic, and the masqueraders embodied uniqueness and extravagance. Additionally, Poe critiques the elite, portraying their apathy towards the suffering caused by disease and demonstrating that material wealth cannot shield individuals from life's severe challenges, illustrating that the prince's demise is a consequence of his egocentric behavior.