Many authors, when writing literature, use their own personal experiences and background to inspire creativity for their works. Though the author has the freedom to take on any type of persona they wish when writing, many end up being influenced by their own lives. (Add definition of biographical criticism) Edgar Allen Poe is a perfect example of an author whose personal life greatly impacted his works. Poe’s writings have a definite affinity to the many troubles he experienced throughout his life, especially in his short story, “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Edgar Allen Poe’s life was very depressing and filled with hardships, which was his inspiration for his gloomy stories. He was separated from his parents and siblings at birth, and went on to watch the rest of his family die, including his wife. Virginia, Poe’s wife, was also his first cousin. They married in secret with Virginia being only thirteen years old. In January of 1842, Virginia contracted tuberculosis, an illness that affected her for four long …show more content…
“The Cask of Amontillado” is a perfect example of literature that portrays the themes in Poe’s life. “The Cask of Amontillado,” written in first point of view, was published in 1846. It tells the story of Montresor, the narrator, taking revenge on a fellow nobleman, Fortunato. For reasons unspecified, Montresor plots to murder his friend during Carnival when the man is drunk. He lures him to the catacombs and lays a wall of brick and mortar, burying him alive. The theme of revenge is obviously evident, although Montresor is almost as clueless about his motive for revenge as his victim. This idea of reasonless revenge has given readers the thought that Montresor is insane, which is another matter in Poe’s life. In Poe’s life he often blamed a lot of his unhappiness and loss of respect within society on his enemies, much like his character
Edgar Allen Poe’s life was very depressing and filled with hardships, which was his inspiration for his gloomy stories. He was separated from his parents and siblings at birth, and went on to watch the rest of his family die, including his wife. Virginia, Poe’s wife, was also his first cousin. They married in secret with Virginia being only thirteen years old. In January of 1842, Virginia contracted tuberculosis, an illness that affected her for four long …show more content…
“The Cask of Amontillado” is a perfect example of literature that portrays the themes in Poe’s life. “The Cask of Amontillado,” written in first point of view, was published in 1846. It tells the story of Montresor, the narrator, taking revenge on a fellow nobleman, Fortunato. For reasons unspecified, Montresor plots to murder his friend during Carnival when the man is drunk. He lures him to the catacombs and lays a wall of brick and mortar, burying him alive. The theme of revenge is obviously evident, although Montresor is almost as clueless about his motive for revenge as his victim. This idea of reasonless revenge has given readers the thought that Montresor is insane, which is another matter in Poe’s life. In Poe’s life he often blamed a lot of his unhappiness and loss of respect within society on his enemies, much like his character