Symbolism and Irony in The Cast of Amontillado

1466 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: What is verbal irony used in edgar allen poe's short story the cask of amontillado

Anything that represents more than what it is, is symbolic. It’s often used by writers to enhance their writing. For example, the phrase "Life is like a roller-coaster" is symbolic because it means there will be ups and downs in life that you may or may not experience. Other times the author my better explain an object by using a symbol to represent it like a chain represents the coming together of two things. In elementary schools teachers use pictures of animals and objects with the same first letter of the next letter in the alphabet to remind them what letter come next by saying the name. Irony may be included in writings as well, it's the opposite than what is intended. For example: the Titanic was said to be 100% unsinkable; but in 1912 the ship sank on its voyage. Irony is also used in everyday life while having conversations, you or someone else may make a sarcastic remark as a joke. “The Cask of Amontillado”is narrated by Montresor a man that is mad or may be possibly insane. In the short story he begins by explaining how Fortunato hurt him, but it was way worse than that, it was insult. Now he seeks vengeance. Montresor then “accidently" runs into Fortunato, who is dressed up as a jester at a carnival. He mentions a rare brandy called Amontillado; Fortunato is then immediately interested in the wines authenticity. Montresor begins to tease Fortunato about referring to Luchresi about the wine, implying that he didn't think of Fortunato first. Fortunato then insults Luchresi and insists that he must try this unique wine. So he and Montresor go to the underground graveyard or “catacombs” under Montresors palazzo, where it seems the wine is kept. Montresor leads him further and further into the catacombs getting him inebr... ... middle of paper ... ... education. Bright Hub,Inc.,9 Oct 2013. Web. 17 Mar 2014. Poe, Edgar allan. “The Cask of Amontillado.” Heritage of American Literature. Ed. James E. Miller. Vol. 2. Austin: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. 20. Print. Russ, R.j. “Symbolism in Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Cask of Amontillado’.” Yahoo voices. Yahoo, Inc., 28 apr 2008. Web . 17 Mar 2014. Shmoop Editoial Team. “’ the Cask of Amontillado’ Writing Style.” Shmoop. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 17 mar 2014. Wood, Kerry. “ Literary Analysis: Irony in ‘The Cask of Amontillado’ by Edgar Allan Poe.” Humanities 360. Helium, Inc., 9 Nov 2007. Web. 17 Mar 2014. Word Press Editors. “Masonic and Number Symbolism in ‘The Cask of Amontillado’ by Edgar Allan Poe.” Word Press. N.p., 2 Oct 2013. Web. 17 Mar 2014.

Show More
Related

  • Examples Of Dramatic Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado

    498 Words  | 1 Pages

    Irony is the expression of ones meaning by using language that usually signifies the opposite. There are three different types of irony; verbal, dramatic, and situational. Edgar Allen Poe uses verbal and dramatic irony in The Cask of Amontillado to depict a deeper meaning of Montresor’s hate towards Fortunato.

    Read More

  • Irony in The Most Dangerous Game and The Cask of Amontillado

    440 Words  | 1 Pages

    Irony in Richard Connell's The Most Dangerous Game and The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe

    Read More

  • Fortunato's Greatest Weakness

    1210 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Cask of Amontillado is an eloquent story narrated from the murderer’s point of view. Montressor seeks revenge against Fortunato for numerous insults the reader can only imagine. In order to determine the severity of the apparent injustices, Fortunato himself must be understood. Montressor describes him as being “rich, respected, admired, [and] beloved,” as well as “a man to be … feared” (Poe 274-276). Fortunato was a flawed individual, however. His greatest imperfection was his love for wine. Fortunato’s “connoisseurship” (274) of wine resulted in his intoxicated state throughout the short story. His physical and mental capacities were impaired by his drunkenness, and as a result, he was unable to resist Montressor’s lure into the catacombs.

    Read More

  • Montresor Character Analysis

    1214 Words  | 3 Pages

    “The Cask of Amontillado” is a dark piece, much like other works of Edgar Allan Poe, and features the classic unreliable narrator, identified by himself only as Montresor. This sinister central character is a cold ruthless killer that is particularly fearsome because he views murder as a necessity and kills without remorse. Montresor is a character who personifies wickedness. Poe uses this character and his morally wrong thoughts and actions to help the reader identify with aspects of the extreme personage, allowing them to examine the less savory aspects of their own. The character of Montresor detailing the glorious murder he committed is a means of communicating to the reader that vengeance and pride are moral motivators that lead to treacherous deeds and dark thoughts.

    Read More

  • Symbolism and Irony in The Cask of Amontillado

    1301 Words  | 3 Pages

    Wood, Kerry.” Literary Analysis : Irony In ‘ The Cask Of Amontillado’ by Edgar Allan Poe.”Humanities 360. Helium, Inc., 9 Nov 2007. Web.17 Mar 2014.

    Read More

  • Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado Essay

    1292 Words  | 3 Pages

    Within this plot of revenge, Poe uses irony and symbolism to develop his theme of a man who tries to gain absolution for the sin he is about to commit. Irony in "The Cask of Amontillado" Poe

    Read More

  • Examples Of Dramatic Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado

    98 Words  | 1 Pages

    "The Cask of Amontillado" is a good example of stories where irony plays a big role. The irony in the characters and situations that occur makes the story really stand out. Poe's plan of making the characters names is ironic put a completely different spin to the story. Both verbal and dramatic irony made "The Cask of Amontillado" more interesting. "The Cask of Amontillado" shows that any friendship can take a turn for the worst whether one expects it to or not. It is the perfect example of the saying "keep your friends close but your enemies

    Read More

  • Theme Of Irony In The Cask Of The Amontillado

    893 Words  | 2 Pages

    “The Cask of The Amontillado” is not the short story you want to read to your child at bedtime. It is a creepy tale of a man who plots revenge on an acquaintance who has supposedly wronged him, a plot similar to other Edgar Allan Poe stories. This story is full of interesting characteristics such as hidden meanings, cunning dialogue between characters, and strange ironies, all assembled in a dark gothic setting. These details create an intriguing read, which is why this story needs to be analyzed to discover deeper meanings created in the mind of Poe and revealed in the lines of the story.

    Read More

  • Evaluating Symbolism and Irony in "The Cask of Amontillado"

    1224 Words  | 3 Pages

    In many occasions, symbolism and irony are the best way to explain an object. While using symbolism you can make the reader understand a different point of view they would had never expected. It helps catches the reader attention in a way that it opens more doors to a short story, novel, etc… For example Montresor represents pride. He is living by his family motto “Nemo me impune lacessit.” (No one provokes me with impunity.) Symbols are also used in backgrounds of movies giving symbolic messages to the viewers. The only way the viewer can pick up on them is by searching them up or by already knowing what that symbol represented. Irony is used a little less more profoundly in the story, yet it plays a big role in leading the reader into the right path with its situations. Irony is when a statement contradicts itself or another object. For example Fortunato means fortunate but ends up not being fortunate while meeting his own death. They’re many examples of symbolism and irony in “The Cask of Amontillado.”

    Read More

  • The Cask Of Amontillado Symbolism

    585 Words  | 2 Pages

    Edgar Allan Poe's strong use of symbols throughout "The Cask of Amontillado" is what makes this story worthy of examination. The clever use of these devices by the author to shape this horrifying and gripping short story has made this piece be regarded as a classic American horror story, which revolves around the theme of vengeance and pride.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Literary Devices In The Cask Of Amontillado

    917 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor sets out on a vengeful mission that will end Fortunato’s life in an untimely fate. Montresor appeals to Fortunato’s love for wine to tempt the unsuspecting fellow to his impending doom. While Montresor tricks the foolish Fortunato frightfully, it is ultimately Fortunato’s pride that leads to his demise in the crypt. Poe uses several literary devices to foreshadow this murderous exploit of Montresor. Through the use of irony, symbolism, and imagery, the story entices readers to delve into the relationships and differences between Montresor and Fortunato.

    Read More

  • The Theme of Revenge in “The Cask of Amontillado”

    1638 Words  | 4 Pages

    Womack, Martha. “Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Cask of Amontillado.’” The Poe Decoder. Christoffer Nilsson, 1997. n.pag. Web. 6 Nov. 2011 .

    Read More

  • Poe's The Cask of Amontillado: A Psychological Analysis of Characters

    1239 Words  | 3 Pages

    Poe, Edgar Allan. "The Cask of Amontillado." Reading and Writing about Literature. Phillip Sipiora. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2002. 240-244.

    Read More

  • “The Cask of Amontillado” --- Full of Irony

    1226 Words  | 3 Pages

    Edgar Allan Poe is a famous writer in writing detective stories and horror stories. One of his horror stories, “The Cask of Amontillado” was talking about how a man took his revenge to his friend. However, to look deeply in this story, I found that this story was not just simply a horror tale about how a man gets his revenge in the safest way. Instead, it also demonstrates much irony in several areas: the title, the event, the season, the costume, the environment, the characters’ personalities, a man’s dignity and cockiness and at the end, the public order. he are

    Read More

  • The Cask of Amontillado: Character Analysis

    1054 Words  | 3 Pages

    Poe, Edgar Allan. “That Cask of Amontillado.” Ibiblio. U of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.d.

    Read More

More about Symbolism and Irony in The Cast of Amontillado

Open Document