The image is foreboding: The malicious predator lurks in the shadows, stalking his victim obsessively in the midst of a vibrant and joyous celebration. The drunk victim is helplessly oblivious to the danger that approaches him openly, allowing his killer to lure him from the festivities of life and light, into a dark ceremony of his own death. Returning from the darkness, the murderer feels no remorse. Throughout this short story, “The Cask Of Amontillado,” Author Edgar Allen Poe creates a contrast between light and dark in both the setting and the characters, conveying a dreadful mood. In doing so, Poe suggests that good, innocent people often fall victim to those of evil intent. As the story opens, Poe sets a vibrant and lively
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As both men continue down into the dark , damp catacombs, Fortunato’s health begins to deteriorate, and Montresor insists they turn back, mentioning that “[Fortunato’s] health is precious;” to which Fortunato ironically replies that he “shall not die of a cough.” Meanwhile, Montressor is aware that while his friend will not die of sickness, he will be killed. Montressor continues to show a false sense of caring for Fortunato by toasting to “[his] long life.” This deception Montresor continuously feeds Fortunato reveals the madness and darkness that dwells within him. As “Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch,” proceeds to stumble deeper into the darkness; the flame of the torch dangerously dimming out, just as Fortunato’s life and future are dimming. Yet, Fortunato insists on moving deeper into the tomb, drunkenly stumbling down to his death like a lamb to the slaughter. As Montresor chains Fortunato to the walls, deep into the catacombs, he maniacally buries his unsuspecting victim alive. As Fortunato sobers, struck by terror and shock, Montresor “[thrusts] a torch through the remaining aperture and [lets] it fall within.” leaving Fortunato’s last bit of light to be swallowed by the darkness. As the narrator finishes his task, Poe creates an escalated,
As both men continue down into the dark , damp catacombs, Fortunato’s health begins to deteriorate, and Montresor insists they turn back, mentioning that “[Fortunato’s] health is precious;” to which Fortunato ironically replies that he “shall not die of a cough.” Meanwhile, Montressor is aware that while his friend will not die of sickness, he will be killed. Montressor continues to show a false sense of caring for Fortunato by toasting to “[his] long life.” This deception Montresor continuously feeds Fortunato reveals the madness and darkness that dwells within him. As “Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch,” proceeds to stumble deeper into the darkness; the flame of the torch dangerously dimming out, just as Fortunato’s life and future are dimming. Yet, Fortunato insists on moving deeper into the tomb, drunkenly stumbling down to his death like a lamb to the slaughter. As Montresor chains Fortunato to the walls, deep into the catacombs, he maniacally buries his unsuspecting victim alive. As Fortunato sobers, struck by terror and shock, Montresor “[thrusts] a torch through the remaining aperture and [lets] it fall within.” leaving Fortunato’s last bit of light to be swallowed by the darkness. As the narrator finishes his task, Poe creates an escalated,