Verbal irony is defined as a statement in which the literal meaning differs from the implicit meaning (A62). The narrator, Montresor, uses reverse psychology on Fortunato through out this great short story. The first instance is when Montresor meets Fortunato at the festival and greets him in such a friendly manner. Montresor says, "My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met" (70). Montresor knows this is not a fortunate meeting for Fortunato but one that will lead to his demise. As Montresor skillfully uses reverse psychology to lure Fortuanto to the catacombs, with the pretense of having him taste Amontillado (Sherry) for its authenticity, he expresses such concern over Fortunato's health. Fortunato has a very bad cough that takes its toll as he follows Montresor to where the pipe of amontillado is to be located. Montresor suggests that they should turn back be

Poe uses symbolism throughout " The Cask of Amontillado". The costumes of Montesor and Fortunato are symbolic of the role each character takes on in this story. The black silk mask and " [R]oquelaire", a man's heavy, knee length cloak (71), that Montresor puts on, is symbolic of his evil intent. Fortunato was dressed in " [M]otley" (70). " He had on a tight fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells" (70). Fortunato's attire is that of a clown, which is indictive of the fool that Montresor plays him for. As the two men enter the catacombs in search of the amotillado, Fortunato inquires about Montresor's arms (family crest). Montresor goes on to describe the arms as, "A huge human foot d'or, in a field azure: the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel" (72). The serpent represents Fortunato and the insult inflicted upon Montresor and his family. The huge gold foot symbolizes Montresor's desire to seek revenge by crushing Fortunato to death.

Montresor seeks revenge against Fortunato because of an insult he bestowed upon Montresor's family. Montresor's pride in his family motto " Nemo me impune lacessit" (72), which means " No one provokes me with impunity" (72), is

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 845
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)