Revenge is a dominate theme throughout Edgar Allan Poe’s, “The Cask of Amontillado”. Poe uses symbolism and characterization to develop the theme of revenge that Montresor seeks on Fontunado. This use of symbolism and characterization illuminates the achievement of Montresor’s revenge with the ultimate sacrifice of Fortunado’s death. This revenge reveals a darker side of the human psyche. To reveal this darker side, Poe’s vivid descriptions of his characters allow for understanding of their actions and motives. Poe also creates a dark atmosphere in his setting to reinforce the dismal theme of revenge. He further enhances the theme of revenge by surrounding the characters with objects which intensify the theme and uncover the revenge Montresor
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The Coat of Arms belonging to Montresor’s family depicts “a huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel” which perfectly exemplifies Montresor’s words and actions to seek revenge on those who do wrong to his family name (181). Montresor crushes the snake, who represents Fortunado, as a result of Fortunado’s poisonous words against the Montresor name. Poe further symbolizes revenge by the Montresor’s family “motto… (which is) nemo me impune lacessit (or) no one provokes me with impunity” revealing Montresor’s dedication to fulfill his revenge against Fortunado (181). Both the Coat of Arms and the motto reinforce the obsession with revenge that Montresor harbors since it is a prevalent message throughout his family history. In addition to Montresor’s family symbols, another symbol is the cask of wine which further characterize both Montresor’s revenge and Fortunado’s foolishness. Fortunado’s constant obsession with the cask of wine exemplifies both his arrogance and his pride. When Fortunado describes Luchresi as “an ignoramus” he reveals his arrangance conveying the belief that his opinion is better than others (182). This trait contributes to the slanderous words of Fortunado which leads to his inevitable death in the catacombs and Montresor’s …show more content…
The journey of Montresor and Fortunado through the vaults is a continuous symbol of Montresor’s depth to his revenge and is a prelude to Fortunado’s death. As the two characters precede further into the suffocating depths of the crypts, the “foulness of the air cause(s) our flambeaux rather to glow than flame” illuminating the “walls… (with lines of) human remains, (with) piles to the vault overhead, in the fashion of the great catacombs of Paris” creating a sinister atmosphere (182). This dense weight of death in the air as the characters descend illuminates the dead remains and symbolizes Montresor’s progressive desire of revenge on Fortunado which further indicates no limits to his vengeful desire. In the crypts, Montresor “(begins) vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche” illustrating his determination to reach his goal of revenge building Fortunado’s grave (183). This symbolizes Montresor’s initiative to act as judge, jury, and executioner for Fortunado by choosing his punishment and leaving him to die. The walls of stone seal away Montresor’s problem and fulfills his desire of revenge as well as sealing Fortunado’s
The Coat of Arms belonging to Montresor’s family depicts “a huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel” which perfectly exemplifies Montresor’s words and actions to seek revenge on those who do wrong to his family name (181). Montresor crushes the snake, who represents Fortunado, as a result of Fortunado’s poisonous words against the Montresor name. Poe further symbolizes revenge by the Montresor’s family “motto… (which is) nemo me impune lacessit (or) no one provokes me with impunity” revealing Montresor’s dedication to fulfill his revenge against Fortunado (181). Both the Coat of Arms and the motto reinforce the obsession with revenge that Montresor harbors since it is a prevalent message throughout his family history. In addition to Montresor’s family symbols, another symbol is the cask of wine which further characterize both Montresor’s revenge and Fortunado’s foolishness. Fortunado’s constant obsession with the cask of wine exemplifies both his arrogance and his pride. When Fortunado describes Luchresi as “an ignoramus” he reveals his arrangance conveying the belief that his opinion is better than others (182). This trait contributes to the slanderous words of Fortunado which leads to his inevitable death in the catacombs and Montresor’s …show more content…
The journey of Montresor and Fortunado through the vaults is a continuous symbol of Montresor’s depth to his revenge and is a prelude to Fortunado’s death. As the two characters precede further into the suffocating depths of the crypts, the “foulness of the air cause(s) our flambeaux rather to glow than flame” illuminating the “walls… (with lines of) human remains, (with) piles to the vault overhead, in the fashion of the great catacombs of Paris” creating a sinister atmosphere (182). This dense weight of death in the air as the characters descend illuminates the dead remains and symbolizes Montresor’s progressive desire of revenge on Fortunado which further indicates no limits to his vengeful desire. In the crypts, Montresor “(begins) vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche” illustrating his determination to reach his goal of revenge building Fortunado’s grave (183). This symbolizes Montresor’s initiative to act as judge, jury, and executioner for Fortunado by choosing his punishment and leaving him to die. The walls of stone seal away Montresor’s problem and fulfills his desire of revenge as well as sealing Fortunado’s