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 exactly what happened in the story. Montressor became exhausted of hearing Fortunado's jokes and ridicules so he decided to bury him alive. A different but interesting way to look at the symbolism of Fortunados jester clothes is that Montressor made a fool of him. Montressor makes a fool out of him by using Fortunado's pride against him. Fortunado prided himself as being a connoisseur of wine, and ultimately it was that pride that was his demise.
             More symbolism is found in the name of Fortunado himself. Fortunado is an Italian name; it is derived from fortune, or fortunate. This is sadly ironic, mostly because Fortunado is not v
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