The Cask of Amontiallado
Anything not taken in moderation can be damaging. In one of Edgar Allen Poe's best-known tales of horror, "The Cask of Amontillado," he suggests that pride can be a very dangerous thing, when one is overwhelmed with it. Through the use of foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism, Poe presents a horrific drama of two men. One who will stop at nothing to get the revenge that he deems himself and his family worthy of, and another who's pride will ultimately be the fall of his own death. Fortunato falls prey to Montressor's plans because he is so proud of his connoisseurship of wine, and it is for the sake of his own pride that Montressor takes revenge on Fortunato. Poe utilizes the theme of pride and many other literary techniques such as foreshadowing, revenge, and irony, in order to create a horrific and suspenseful masterpiece. In "The Cask of Amontillado," Poe utilizes foreshadowing in a most grim and dark way. First, when Fortunato says, "I shall not die of a cough" 1, Montressor replies, "True-true"2. Instead, Montressor knows that Fortunato will perish from his vengeful scheme of walling him up, and having him die of starvation and dehydration. Fortunato is a proud man and he does not think that his dea
th with be due to something as petty as a cold. He reminds us that pride can lead us to do unthinkable things that we would never otherwise consider doing such as killing in order to get revenge on someone who has hurt our pride. Irony is also used throughout this tale. Rather, he believes that his life will end as a result of some courageous act and he will die a noble death. They represent and tell the reader what Montressor has planned. When Fortunato asks for proof, Montressor shows him his trowel. At one point in their journey, Fortunato makes a movement that is a secret sign of the Masons, an exclusive, fraternity-like organization. In this image, the foot is symbolic of Montressor and the serpent of Fortunato. Irony is also found in Montressor's statement to his friend that they should return because Fortunato's "health is precious" 3. In this story, Poe utilizes literary techniques such as foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism to convey his message in a creative and original way. It is his duty and obligation to right the wrongs done to his family, even if it means death. The coat of arms of Montressor's family is another example of symbolism and foreshadowing in the whole story. The dangers of pride are addressed in "The Cask of Amontillado," a short story by Edgar Allen Poe. Our pride in excess can also cause us to be naive and blind to things around us, leading us to dangerous situations and, in the most severe of cases, leading us to our own deaths.
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Acceptance Essays
