The Cask of Amontilado

A detailed Summary of The Cask of Amontilado

In the short story "The Cask of Amontillado," Edgar Allan Poe writes in first person point of view, from the perspective of Montresor, the diabolical narrator of this tale, who vows revenge against Fortunato. Montresor develops the perfect plan for retribution. During the carnival season, Montresor encounters Fortunato and decides to implement his plan carefully not to arouse Fortunato's suspicions through irony. In this tale of revenge, Poe illustrates a variety of ironic situations between Montresor and Fortunato. Montresor preys upon Fotunato's tendency to drink, as well as upon is vanity. Poe's story reveals that Fortuanto's fate is death, not life. Poe's story describes the inner workings of a murderer's mind, Montresor, who has lived with the memory of Fortunato's death for fifty years. Poe uses different types of irony in the conversations between Montresor and Fortunato.

First, Poe uses dramatic irony in the story. For example, Montresor expresses concern about Fortunato's health. Montresor points out, "Come, ... we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy as

Moreover, Montresor points out, "My friend, no; I will not impose upon your good nature" (76). Montresor again calls him his friend, which is ironic because he hates Fortunato and considers him an enemy. He also says that Fortuanto is good, but Montresor knows that he is not good because Fortunato insulted him. After being insulted by Fotunato, Montresor is not about to consider him a true friend and has planned to kill him out of revenge. Montresor is so evil that he tries to convince the reader that his intentions are honorable. Every detail of irony is so perfectly crafted to show Montresor's cleverness to deceive his "dear friend" Fortunato, by implying one thing but actually meaning another. Montresor skillfully illustrates a confession of a murderer and justification for the actions.

Secondly, Poe uses numerous examples of verbal irony. For instance, when Montresor toasts to Fortunato's long life. Montresor says, "Drink..." (77). Then Fortunato says, "I drink, ...to the buried that repose around us." Then again, Montresor says, '"And I to your long life"' (77). Montresor, however, does not intend for Fortunato to live very long at all. On the contrar

Some common words found in the essay are:
Fortunato Poe, Fortunato Montresor, Furthermore Montresor, Montresor Fortunato, Fotunato Montresor, Montresor Drink, Montresor True--true, Moreover Montresor, Allan Poe, Secondly Poe, montresor fortunato, fortunato's health, 76 montresor calls, fortunato die, montresor calls, dear friend, die cough, poe's story, health montresor, montresor friend, fortunato's health montresor, fortunato die cough, 76 montresor,

Approximate Word count = 784
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

The Cask of Amontilado

Related Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials