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