By Edgar Allan Poe
(Published 1846)
People need to be careful who they insult. Whether it was conscious or unconsciously done, they should never underestimate what that other person is capable of. Some people can take the insult into a whole different level and can open a mindset of vengeance. Edgar Allan Poe lets his readers travel into a mind of a murderer and understand what causes this behavior. Such imagery creates an eerie suspense in “The Cask of Amontillado.” One’s foolishness can end in despair of the other’s vengeful scheme. Ironically, this story starts with a happy festive event, then slowly shifts into eerie dark gallows. Did Fortunato get what he deserved? Or did Montressor have a satisfaction for murder? …show more content…
He uses hints leading to what is about to come next; he used foreshadowing in a grim and dark way. “Enough, “he said; “the cough’s a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough.” “True - - True,” Montressor replied. (“The Cask of Amontillado”) Montressor knows that Fortunato will perish from his vengeful scheme of burying him alive within the stone walls. Fortunato is a proud man which his pride will be broken when he is caught in his trap. Again, in his story he used words opposite to its literal meaning; irony. As appose to its eerie tone the setting in the beginning takes at a carnival which is supposed to be a happy and festive time. “It was about dusk, one eventing during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my friend.” (“The Cask of Amontillado”) As the setting shifts from a happy event to a dark twist of Fortunato while being walled to his death. “Pass your hand,” I said, “over the wall; you cannot help the feeling the nitre…Throwing them aside, I soon uncovered a quantity of building stone and motar. With these materials and with the aid of my trowel, I began vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche.” (“The Cask of