Edgar Allan Poe was an American author known for writing dark short stories. Many of his stories involve themes of mystery or even death. In his short story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” the theme is clearly stated in the first line when Montresor says, “I vowed revenge” (Poe). The story follows Montresor and his friend Fortunato as they venture into the catacombs searching for their fortune. The theme of revenge is played out in Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” through the use of symbolism, irony, and how the setting sets up the perfect atmosphere for Montresor’s revenge.
