The Cask Of Amontillado Literary Analysis

Revenge is something people often don’t see coming. In the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, this is what happens to the character Fortunato. Montresor seeks revenge by unexpectantly tricking Fortunato during a party. Through the use of characterization, setting, and point of view, the overall theme of the story is revealed which is people are often blindsided by revenge.
To elaborate, the first way theme is conveyed is through characterization. Because Montrassor is depicted as a vengeful character to the reader, it can be inferred that he will privately seek revenge.“You, who so well the nature of my soul, will no suppose, however, that I have utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged; (Poe 108). This citation explains the thoughts behind Montresor's scheme, showing how easily other characters can be fooled without even noticing it.
Accordingly, the setting also plays a major role in the development of the overall theme. The setting of the deep, dark, catacombs reflects the feeling of revenge and betrayal. “It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I perceive you are afflicted. The vaults are insufferably damp. They are encrusted with nitre” (Poe 109). From this the reader can depict that the erie feeling of the catacombs matches the theme of revenge in the story.

Because the story is told from Montresors point of view, the reader is not able to see the thoughts and feelings of Fortunato. “It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will. I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation” (Poe 108). Montresors ability to hide his emotions in these lines allow him to fool Fortunato into thinking everything is okay. This emphasizes the theme because it better shows how Fortunado did not see the attack