How "The Cask of Amontillado" Uses Symbolism and Irony

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Often, writers use symbolism to describe an object with more clarity to the reader. It provides additional layers of meaning to a text. Symbolism is not only important in literature but is also important in everyday life. For instance, symbolism is found in colors, objects, and on flowers. For example a rose can represent love and romance. Symbolism is used in literature, movies, and even on street signs. Such as the colors in the street light: red means stop, yellow means slow down, and the green means to proceed. Another technique used in “The Cask of Amontillado”is irony. Irony, (in literature), is when the writer uses words to emit a meaning that is usually the opposite of its literal meaning. It is used to catch the reader’s attention and to give the text more depth. In the short story, “The Cask of Amontillado”, there is verbal and dramatic irony. Irony is important because it allows the reader to transmit an intense meaning without having to state it directly. It also keeps the reader interested and creates a more comical story. Verbal Irony is when a character says one thing, but means the opposite. It’s often mistaken with sarcasm but the difference is that sarcasm is intended and direct while verbal irony is indirect. Dramatic Irony is when the audience knows something that the character in the story doesn’t. For example, in a horror movie when the character walks in a house and the audience already knows that the killer is inside.

In the short story, Montresor starts the story by saying that he was insulted by Fortunato. Never, throughout the story, does Montresor tell us the way he was insulted by Fortunato. He had everything well planned to murder

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Fortunato without placing himself at risk. Fort...

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