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 because they respect him or because they fear him. Montresor knows that Fortunato believes he is a respected man therefore he uses that information to his advantage in order carry out his murder plot. Poe makes Fortunato’s character arrogant so that Montresor would be able to trick him. If Fortunato did not have pride in himself Montresor would not have been able to convince Fortunato into the catacombs as easily as he did. Poe continues to use Fortunato’s vulnerabilities to Montresor’s advantage throughout the story “‘As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If anyone has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me-” “And yet some fools will have it that his taste is a match for your own’” (374). Poe allows the reader to believe that Fortunato will not have a favorable outcome. Fortunato’s character builds suspense for the reader because his ignorance leaves the reader longing to know what will happen to him. If Poe did not make Fortunato’s character as ignorant Fortunato might have not fallen for Montresor’s reverse psychology. Another commonly used method of writing Poe uses to create a more intriguing story is through diction. …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 ending. Lastly Poe uses irony to construct a horrifying and suspenseful image for the reader. Poe immediately uses situational irony once Montresor finishes building the wall “My heart grew sick-on account of the dampness of the catacombs” (379). At first he lets the reader believe that Montresor might have some
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 because they respect him or because they fear him. Montresor knows that Fortunato believes he is a respected man therefore he uses that information to his advantage in order carry out his murder plot. Poe makes Fortunato’s character arrogant so that Montresor would be able to trick him. If Fortunato did not have pride in himself Montresor would not have been able to convince Fortunato into the catacombs as easily as he did. Poe continues to use Fortunato’s vulnerabilities to Montresor’s advantage throughout the story “‘As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If anyone has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me-” “And yet some fools will have it that his taste is a match for your own’” (374). Poe allows the reader to believe that Fortunato will not have a favorable outcome. Fortunato’s character builds suspense for the reader because his ignorance leaves the reader longing to know what will happen to him. If Poe did not make Fortunato’s character as ignorant Fortunato might have not fallen for Montresor’s reverse psychology. Another commonly used method of writing Poe uses to create a more intriguing story is through diction. …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 ending. Lastly Poe uses irony to construct a horrifying and suspenseful image for the reader. Poe immediately uses situational irony once Montresor finishes building the wall “My heart grew sick-on account of the dampness of the catacombs” (379). At first he lets the reader believe that Montresor might have some