FREE ESSAY ON THE CASK OF AMONTIALLO

THE CASK OF AMONTIALLO

In the short story The Cask of Amontillado, Edgar Allan Poe writes in first person point
of view, from the perspective of Montresor, the diabolical narrator of this tale, who
vows revenge against Fortunato. Montresor began to develop the perfect plan for
retribution. During the carnival season, Montresor encounters Fortunato and decides to
implement his plan carefully not to arouse Fortunato's suspicions through irony. Poe's
story describes the inner workings of a murderer's mind, Montresor, who has lived the
memory of Fortunato's death for fifty years. Poe uses different types of irony in the
conversations between Montresor and Fortunato.
First, Poe uses dramatic irony in the story. For example, Montresor expresses concern
about Fortunato's health. 
Montresor points out, Come, I said, with decision, we will go back; your health is
precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy as once I 
was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We will go back; you 
will be ill, and I cannot be responsible (434). 
Both the reader and Montresor know of his devious plan of murder that awaits Fortunato
when he descends into the catacombs in search for the wine. But, Fortunato, naive, does
not suspect that Montresor is capable of such an act. Montresor pretends that he is
concerned about Fortunato's health, when he says they should go back. In fact, Montresor
could care less about Fortunato's health; he is just concerned about his own advantage of
manipulation by luring him into the catacombs to carry out his plan. Montresor also
intends to be responsible for Fortunato's death. Montresor does not want Fortunato to die
of a cough or from the niter in the catacombs, but of his own destruction. The drunken
Fortunato is the only one in the story who is unaware of Montresor's real motives; which
demonstrates situational irony. Another example is when the two men are having a
conversation about returning to the carnival, but Fortunato insists going to the
catacombs with Montresor. Fortunato states, Enough, he said; the cough is a mere nothing;
it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough (434). Then Montresor states, True--true,
I replied; and, indeed, I had no intention of alarming you unnecessarily--but you should
use all proper caution (434). Poe illustrates this irony: the reader knows of the
narrator's intentions but Fortunato does not. Little does Fortunato know how true his
words are. Fortunato is not going to die of a cough, but due to Montresor's deceit. 
Secondly, Poe uses numerous examples of verbal irony. For instance, when Montresor toasts
to Fortunato's long life. Montresor says, Drink... (434). Then Fortunato says, I drink,
...to the buried that repose around us. Then again, Montresor says, 'And I to your long
life' (434). Montresor, however, does not intend for Fortunato to live very long at all.
On the contrary, Montresor is toasting because he wants Fortunato to accompany his
ancestors in the catacombs. Furthermore, Montresor addresses Fortunato as his dear
friend, when they first encounter each other. Fortunato believes that Montresor is his
friend, when actually he intends to make a fool out of him. Thus, Montresor states, My
dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably you are looking today! But I have
received a pipe of what passes Amontillado, and I have my doubts (432). Montresor calls
Fotunato dear when he hates this man with a passion. He also knows that Fortunato is not
dressed appropriately; he is dressed as a clown, but Montresor still compliments him on
his attire, because his attire fits with Montresor's plans- to make a fool out of him.
Moreover, Montresor points out, My friend, no; I will not impose upon your good nature
(433). Montresor again calls him his friend, which is ironic because he hates Fortunato
and considers him an enemy. He also says that Fortuanto is good, but Montresor knows that
he is not good because Fortunato insulted him. After being insulted by Fotunato,
Montresor is not about to consider him a true friend and has planned to kill him out of
revenge.
In this tale of revenge, Poe illustrates a variety of ironic situations between Montresor
and Fortunato. Montresor preys upon Fotunato's tendency to drink, as well as upon is
vanity. Poe's story reveals that Fortuanto's fate is death, not life. Montresor is so
evil that he tries to convince the reader that his intentions are honorable. Every detail
of irony is so perfectly crafted to show Montresor's cleverness to deceive his dear
friend Fortunato, by implying one thing but actually meaning another.. Montresor
skillfully illustrates a confession of a murderer and justification for the actions.
Bibliography
Poe, Edgar Allan. The Cask of Amontillado. Perrine's Story and Structure. 9th 
ed. Ed. Michael Rosenberg. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College, 1988.