Cask Of Amontillado

Cask of Amontillado Analysis

In Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Cask of the Amontillado", irony and symbolism and character are used to write this gothic tale. The two characters, Montressor and Fortunato, are no longer friends; as a result, this story is about revenge from Montressor and murder of Fortunato.

Poe puts several instances of irony in this story. For example when Fortunato and Montressor are in the tunnel, looking for the cask of the amontillado, Fortunato coughs and Montressor says that they should go back because he is supposedly concerned with Fortunato's health. Fortunato replies, "It is merely nothing. I cannot die of a cough." Montressor replies, "True, true." Another instance of irony is Montressor drinks to Fortunato's long life. This is ironic because Fortunato is about to die. Fortunato's name is also ironic because it means the fortunate one, instead he is unfortunate.

Symbolism also appears in this story. When Fortunato and Montressor meet, they shake hands and Montressor appears to be happy to see Fortunato. However, Montressor is not happy because he appears to be friends with Fortunato, he is happy because he knows that he will get his revenge on this day. Fortunato is dressed as a fool. This symbolizes that Fortunato was foolish to anger and impoverish Montressor and to follow him underground. When Fortunato makes the mason symbol, it symbolizes that Fortunato is a mason. Montressor's motto, "no one insults me with impunity" means that no one will insult him without being punished. Since Fortunato has insulted Montressor, Fortunato will be punished.

Edgar Allan Poe shows the personality of the characters in the story. Fortunato's personality is such that he feels secure and foolish. He still thinks that Montressor is his friend even after he impoverished and ruined Montressor socially. Fortunato also