Home > The Cask of Amontillado Summary & Study Guide > The Cask of Amontillado Group > Discussion Board

Find three examples of figurative language and explain the effect they have on the story and how they create that effect. Re-write the sample of figurative language.

Figurative language is language that has meaning beyond its literal sense, or language that goes beyond its literal meaning to achieve special effect (www.dictionary.com).  Types of figurative language include symbolism, personification, alliteration, and metaphor.  I would suggest trying to locate examples of one or more of these in the story.  You can find information about these literary terms here at eNotes or at www.dictionary.com. 

Also, check out the eNotes on the story at this link:

http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/style

One of the most obvious is the symbolism of the place Montresor brings his victim.  Think of the description of the place:  the palazzo of the Montresors with its many rooms, the archway that leads to the ‘‘long and winding staircase’’ down to the catacombs, the damp and dark passageway hanging with moss and dripping moisture, the piles of bones, the flaming torches that flicker and fade, and the "clanking'' and "furious vibrations of the chain'' that Montresor uses to bind Fortunato to the wall. The overall atmosphere is one of brooding and horror--which foreshadow the ending of the story--Fortunato's murder.  His very name is symbolic...he isn't very fortunate, is he?