The Cask of Amontillado

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Evaluation of “The Cask of Amontillado” Edger Allen Poe is one of America’s greatest writers. “The Cask of Amontillado” is a short horror story about a guy named Montresor seeking revenge against Fortunato. Montresor is a crafty and sneaky person. Fortunato is someone who was unknowingly walking to his death by Montresor who he feels is his friend. Fortunato believes that Montresor is his friend but he ends up in chains in a catacomb. In “The Cask of Amontillado” Edger Allen Poe uses literary elements, such as irony, theme, and symbolism to enhance the understanding of the story. The story begins with Montresor telling the reader that Fortunato has given him thousands of injuries. In “The Cask of Amontillado” it says, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge”(533). The theme of the story is revenge. Montresor wanted to seek revenge for the “thousands” of “injuries” Fortunato gave him. The begin lines show why Montresor wanted revenge. In an unspecific way Fortunato has given Montresor “thousands of injuries” and even “insult”. Montresor had figured out a weak spot for Fortunato. Fortunato had a weakness for wine. Montresor had now gone to the carnival where he meets Fortunato who had already been drinking. Montresor mention that he found a barrel of rare wine called Amontillado. Fortunato had responded and wanted to try the wine. Montresor’s reason for killing Fortunato is his commitment to revenge. Montresor uses wine to lure Fortunato into the catacomb. The two are now on their way to the catacomb where the rare wine is supposed to be. Edger Allen Poe uses irony a lot as they are on their way to the catacomb. As Fortunato is unknowingly on his way to death Montresor acts as if he cared about Fortunato cold. “we will go back; your health is precious”(534). Even though Montresor said

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