Ironies in The Cast of Amontillado

A detailed Summary of Ironies in The Cast of Amontillado

Ironies Found in "The Cask of Amontillado"

In the short story "The Cask of Amontillado," Edgar Allan Poe writes in the first person point of view from the perspective of Montresor, the diabolic narrator of this tale, who vowed revenge against Fortunato. Montresor began to develop 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. Poe uses different types of irony throughout the story. The three different types of irony that he uses are dramatic, verbal, and situational irony.

Dramatic irony is when the reader perceives something that a character in the story does not. This occurs when reader becomes painfully aware of what will become of Fortunato even though the character continues his descent into the catacombs in pursuit of the Amontillado. Poe further adds to this effect by calling the character Fortunato, who is anything but fortunate, and dressing him in a clown or fool's costume since Montresor intends to make a fool of him as part of his dark plan. Through the ironic naming of the characters, Poe gives visual images to the readers. The naming of Fortunato, which is ironic since he

Van Dulmen, Richard. "Rituals of Execution in Early Modern Germany." The Social Dimension of Western Civilization. 4th ed. Ed. Richard M. Golden. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999. 112-25.

Throughout the story, Montresor uses verbal irony numerous times to foreshadow his intentions to the audience. One use of this verbal irony is in Montresor's concern for Fortunato's health. Montresor tells Fortunato that his health is precious and that they should turn back so Fortunato does not become ill (Poe 1569). Fortunato responds saying, "The cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me" (1569). Montresor knowing how Fortunato will die responds, "True-True" (1569). In fact, Montresor could care less about Fortunato's health; he is just concerned about his own advantage of manipulation by luring him into the catacombs to carry out his plan. Montresor also intends to be responsible for Fortunato's death. Montresor does not want Fortunato to die of a cough or from the catacombs but of his own destruction. The drunken Fortunato is the only one in the story who is unaware of Montresor's real motives. Secondly Poe uses verbal irony in Montresor's toast to Fortunato's long life. Montresor says, "Drink. . ." (1569). The Fortunato says, "I drink. . . to the buried that repose around us" (1569). Then again, Montresor says, "And I to your long life" (1569). Montresor, however, does not intend for Fortunato to live for very long at all. On the contrary, Montresor is toasting because he wants Fortunato to accompany his ancestors in the catacombs. Furthermore, Montresor addresses Fortunato as his dear friend when they first encounter each other. Fortunato believes that Montresor is his friend when actually he intends to make a fool out of him. Thus, Montresor states, "My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day! But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and have my doubts" (1568). Montresor calls Fortunato "dear" when he hates this man with a passion. He also knows that Fortunato is not dressed appropriately; he is dressed as a clown, but Montresor still compliments him on his attire because his clothing fits with Montresor's plans--to make a fool out of him. Moreover, Montresor points out, "My friend, no; I will not impose upon your good nature" (1568). Montresor again calls him his friend which is ironic because he hates Fortunato and considers him an

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Approximate Word count = 1624
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English