The Cask of Amontillado Group

Topic: What two literary elements would be the easiest to flesh out in an essay over The Cask of Amontillado by Poe?

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1

ichbinzwei

What two literary elements would be the easiest to flesh out in an essay over The Cask of Amontillado by Poe?

2

Irony is certainly one.  You can discuss Poe's use of verbal irony when Montresor talks to Fortunato about being a mason (is he a brick layer or a member of a secret society that deals with the macabre?).  You could also discuss situational irony--on a night of festivities, a man meets his death in a dark cellar; Fortunato's name means "fortunate," but he is unlucky in his fate.  There are several other examples.

You could also discuss Poe's use of the Gothic style.  He sets the story in an almost deserted house (Montresor has released his servants for the night), accomplishing a mysterious setting, especially as Fortunato accompanies Montresor down into the catacombs.  The story is also Gothic in its focus on death.  Fortunato is buried alive in a place that is used to bury corpses (the catacombs).  Likewise, Poe's suspension of reality for effect's sake is evident throughout this typical Gothic tale.  Would Fortunato really be so stupid to accompany Montresor down into the dark tombs?

Hope this helps.

 

3

ichbinzwei

In reply to #2:

thx, you've restored to me hope in the internet =)

4

mbomengen

How about point of view? Poe uses the classic "unreliable narrator" technique, of which he is the master. Montresor is completely emotionless, relating the story of a horrifying crime of his own commission.

Another element you could discuss is the setting. The description provides several Gothic elements, yet the specific place and time are not specified.

5

mwestwood

Always Edgar Allan Poe offers a great study of the singleness of focus in a short story.  Embellishing this singleness of focus are what Poe terms "arabesques."  This word arabesque means "a fancifully combined pattern."  This pattern of returning to the initial disturbing idea is definitely repeated in "The Cask of Amontillado" as Montresor returns over and over to his deceptive concern for the unhealthiness of the catacombs to which his victim is exposed, thus deluding Fortunato so that he casts away any caution and is, then, tethered easily to a wall and then imprisoned so that Montesor can complete his dastardly deed of murder.

6

How about the reliability of the narrator?  Is it possible that Fortunato never committed any wrong against Montresor?  Is it all in his mind?  Is he a reliable narrator or is he just crazy?  Is Fortunato the only one under the influence of something?  How likely is it that we can believe what Montreso is telling us before he meets his foe, and then, as he taunts Fortunato with hints of his future...are these the rantings of madman or is it justice being served?

7

The elements of point of view, imagery, and diction come to mind. Also setting, which is wonderfully mysterious.

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