Here's why:
* Setting: The story takes place in a fictional, isolated, and almost otherworldly setting, Prince Prospero's abbey. This isn't a place with a specific regional identity or vernacular.
* Characters: The characters are largely aristocrats and courtiers, likely educated and speaking a relatively standardized version of the English language of the time.
* Focus on Atmosphere: Poe's primary focus is on building a mood of suspense, horror, and the macabre. He achieves this through vivid imagery, symbolism, and carefully chosen diction, not through regional dialects.
However, you might be able to argue for some subtle differences in speech depending on the characters' social status and roles:
* Prince Prospero: His language is likely more formal and refined, reflecting his power and education.
* The revelers: They might use more casual language and expressions, especially as the night progresses and they become more intoxicated.
* The Red Death: As a personification of death itself, its presence is communicated more through actions and symbolism than through speech.
Ultimately, the lack of specific dialects in "The Masque of the Red Death" contributes to the story's timeless and universal appeal. It allows readers to focus on the themes of mortality, decay, and the futility of escaping fate, regardless of their own background or language.