The Cask of Amontilado
Analysis of "The Cask of Amontillado" Edgar Allen Poe was born in 1809, and he died in 1849 on forty years old. He is now one of the most famous authors of all time. He wrote most of his famous work along with "The Cask of Amontillado" trying to support his tubercular wife. He died less then two years after her death. "The Cask of Amontillado" is a horror story about revenge and the inner thoughts of a total lunatic. In this story there are quite a few examples of symbolism and foreshadowing. The main idea that is common is man's rule over a fortune that has mistreated him. The first and very important point of symbolism in the story is when Poe describes Fortunado's dress. Fortunado was described as "motley," wearing a "tight-fitting, party-stripped dress." He was also wearing a hat with bells, like a jester would wear. Fortunados costume is suitable for his character in a couple of ways. Montressor was plotting against him because Fortunado caused him "a thousand injuries," or insulted him. That in itself makes the jester attire apt for him. Another aspect of the symbolism in the jester clothes is that in medieval times a brutal king would kill his jester when he became wearied of his jokes. That is exactl
Fortunado was probably a little too social and too foolish. According to Poe, the eyes are the windows to the soul. More symbolism is found in the name of Fortunado himself. It appears to be a plain tale of revenge but it is most definitely not. Montressor wanted to premeditate the murder and he wanted Fortunado to know exactly what had happened to him. Another point of symbolism in the story is when Poe describes Fortunados eyes. Fortunado is an Italian name; it is derived from fortune, or fortunate. "He turned towards me, and looked into my eyes with two filmy orbs that distilled the rheum of intoxication. He is able to strike back at the fortune that treats him so terribly; achieving mans revenge on the fortune that has treated him so poorly. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong. Montressor represents the common man who is as unfortunate as most people are. In the beginning of the story Montressor is speaking about Fortunado and he says, "I must not punish but punish with impunity. Fortunado wrongs Montressor so Montressor makes up his mend to "even the score" with Fortunado. Fortunado prided himself as being a connoisseur of wine, and ultimately it was that pride that was his demise.
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