The “Cask of Amontillado” written by Edgar Allan Poe is a thrilling short story about seeking revenge through a murder plot. This story is not only interesting, but it also has incredible detail. Through his use of carefully constructed characterization, diction, and irony, Poe creates a mood that is both chilling and horrifying.
Throughout this short story Poe uses characterization to build up suspense and to strengthen his writing. Without Fortunato's character there would not be a story. Fortunato’s personality shows the traits of arrogance and self centeredness. Already into the second paragraph, Montresor describes Fortunato’s imperfections as “He had a weak point-this Fortunato-although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine” (372). Montresor addresses the fact that many people adore Fortunato either …show more content…
Poe uses a strong vocabulary that helps to describe characters actions “‘I must not only punish, but punish with impunity’” (372). The word “impunity” gives the reader chills because not only does Montresor want to seek revenge, but he wants to complete it without any one else finding out. Poe could have used another word besides “impunity” such as notability or exception. Although those words would not have had as large of an impact on the reader because Poe illustrates a mysterious environment and other words would not portray the same image in the readers head. Poe also uses diction to illustrate the setting “Its termination the feeble light did not enable us to see” (377). The word “termination” could have been replaced with the words limit or cut off. Except those words would not help to describe the setting as well as “termination”. Poe uses the word “termination” to create an eerie feeling in the reader. This word allows the reader to be more on edge while waiting for the
Throughout this short story Poe uses characterization to build up suspense and to strengthen his writing. Without Fortunato's character there would not be a story. Fortunato’s personality shows the traits of arrogance and self centeredness. Already into the second paragraph, Montresor describes Fortunato’s imperfections as “He had a weak point-this Fortunato-although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine” (372). Montresor addresses the fact that many people adore Fortunato either …show more content…
Poe uses a strong vocabulary that helps to describe characters actions “‘I must not only punish, but punish with impunity’” (372). The word “impunity” gives the reader chills because not only does Montresor want to seek revenge, but he wants to complete it without any one else finding out. Poe could have used another word besides “impunity” such as notability or exception. Although those words would not have had as large of an impact on the reader because Poe illustrates a mysterious environment and other words would not portray the same image in the readers head. Poe also uses diction to illustrate the setting “Its termination the feeble light did not enable us to see” (377). The word “termination” could have been replaced with the words limit or cut off. Except those words would not help to describe the setting as well as “termination”. Poe uses the word “termination” to create an eerie feeling in the reader. This word allows the reader to be more on edge while waiting for the