I. The author, through the dark and humorous ton of the story, gives Montresor the perfect setting for his revenge and is an strong indicator of his state of mind A. The use of the catacombs for the action of the story B. The choice of the carnival as a time of action (The characterization of the Montresor and Fortunato through their outfits) C. The title of the story and the names of the characters
II. The narrator, with the use of situational irony and verbal irony, shows his sadistic nature and the satisfaction he gets from accomplishing his revenge. …show more content…
His victim unknowingly takes part in his own assassination, and remains oblivious to his fate, despite the clues Montresor gives him along the way. The dark and humorous tone of the story, enhanced by the abundant use of irony throughout the story, brings to light the sadistic mind of a revengeful narrator. The author, through the dark and humorous ton of the story, gives Montresor the perfect settings for his revenge. The action of the story takes place in the dark and humid catacombs of his property, which gives the protagonist an advantage and confidence over his intended victim unfamiliar with the location. Therefore, it creates a dependency as Fortunato must relay on his friend to make his way through the catacombs. In addition, the fact that Fortunato is in an obscure and confined environment emphasizes the feeling of the victim being trapped. The final destination of his journey, the crypt which “walls had been lined up with human remains” (Poe 229) gives the reader a chilling effect concerning the future of the Italian. Lastly, Poe's decision to use the catacombs where the Montresors are buried need to add something about creation of a dark atmosphere,is undoubtedly a sinister way to highlight Fortunato's