What does the clock represents and what does it demonstrates

In "The Masque of the Red Death," the clock is extremely
important as a symbol.  The timepiece represents time itself as it relates to the
members of the group locked away in apparent safety.  The members of the group dance and
party while those outside the gates of the castle are dying of the "red death."  Those
within the castle walls do not realize that their time is nearly over, as well, which is
what the clock symbolizes.  When the clock stops, it means that their time is over, as
well.