Cask of Amontillado

A detailed Summary of Cask of Amontillado

Audience appeal for motion pictures and literature often stems from the use of irony which astonishes and catches the assembly off guard. By simply springing abrupt events or exposing hidden surprises, an author can attract extraordinary praise and reviews for his or her work. The writer must use irony in unexpected places and in a variety of forms, so that the plot and its resolution do not become predictable and unoriginal. The creative use of irony puzzles and grasps the audience's attention and thoughts. The first method verbal irony utilizes character dialogue to relate one idea without revealing the character's true intentions. Additionally, situational irony involves a contrast or twist in the plot that the reader does not expect. Finally, dramatic irony occurs when the audience has knowledge of a transpiring event before a character experiences the situation. By using the many facets of irony, Edgar Alan Poe enriches the short story, "The Cast of Amontillado," by casting a dark, mischievous atmosphere whose terror no one can escape.

Perhaps Poe uses Montresor's words in the most unusual manner, in that they take upon an entirely different interpretation that extends far beyond their

Clearly, Edgar Alan Poe's use of irony keeps the reader asking questions and engrossed in the story. The variety of ironical twists and turns throughout the story fill every facet of the readers mind and forces him to make his or her own interpretations. One's imagination has far more creativity than words can ever express. By leaving the story open Poe ensures that each reader will use his or her own imagination to draw conclusions and cast horror upon the situation at hand.

surface meaning. In fact, Fortunado's "virtuoso spirit" (151), drunken stupor, and unwillingness to spare his "precious health" (152) lead to his demise and death. Time and time again Montresor pretends to implore Fortunado to exit the catacombs on account of his fading health, yet this fallacious act only lures Fortunado into Montresor's plan for revenge. By pretending to show concern for his foe, Montresor expels all doubt in Fortunado's mind that any acts of revenge could take place. In reality, Montresor has no legitimate concern for Fortunado's well being, and he has no intention of returning until Fortunado suffers mental anguish and perishes. However, Fortunado does not suffer alone within the "deep crypt" (153), as Montresor's heart grows sick due to "the dampness of the catacombs" which witness his sinister actions. As light falls upon this quote, it becomes evident that Montresor does not feel ill due to the physical atmosphere of the dungeon, but rather on account of the grief that dwells with in his soul. The secrets inside his heart seem unbear

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Approximate Word count = 1048
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: People