The Cask Of Amontillado

Kill Him Already!

Revenge and suspense are the two main traits in the short story, "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe. Furthermore, Poe successfully uses foreshadowing as well as clues to notify the reader of the events ahead.

From the beginning of the story, the reader knows of the murder that ensues. In the first paragraph, Montresor divulges his plan for revenge against Fortunado to the reader. He says he vows revenge for all the "injuries" Fortunato has committed against him. (180) He cannot only kill him, he must make sure Fortunato knows who killed him.

The suspense begins when Montresor and Fortunato first meet. The reader is well aware of Montresor's intentions but Poe prolongs the imminent act with many pauses of what comes across as compassion to Fortunato but suspense to the reader. Montresor plays with Fortunato's pride in being a wine connoisseur, using it to draw Fortunado into following him. The prolonged conversation between the two men adds to the suspense. Montressor adds further to the suspense by pretending to care about Fortunado's health and trying to convince him to stay at the carnival. This fake concern for Fortunato's health is seen throughout the entire story, adding suspense each time.

As they make their way into the catacombs, Montresor once again adds to the suspense by telling Fortunato to "observe the white web-work," thereby, forcing him to slow their already snail-like pace. (182) After a few more steps, Montresor stops Fortunato once again and gives him wine to drink. As they drink, they begin talking about the history of the Montresor family. The sole purpose Poe includes this conversation is to add to the suspense. The suspense peaks when Montresor begins to shackle Fortunato to the wall. We know he is going to kill him, but how?

The tension subsides a little until Montresor begins to bury Fortunato alive. "The noise (Fortunato's screams) lasted for several minutes, during which, that I might hearken to it with the more satisfaction, I ceased my labors and sat down upon the bones," shows another suspenseful moment. (184) Poe is playing with the readers emotions. Poe purposefully has Montresor stop building to add to the story's suspense, reducing the reader's thirst but not quenching it completely.