The Cask of Amontillado Group

Question:

gochick
gochick
Student
High School - 9th Grade

What does the black cloak symbolize in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

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Posted by gochick on Thursday October 15, 2009 at 2:17 PM and tagged with black cloak, symbols.

Answers:

  1. bullgatortail
    bullgatortail Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Author Edgar Allan Poe no doubt dressed Fortunato deliberately in a jester's costume to symbolize his foolish actions in the short story "The Cask of Amontillado." But the author gives Montressor a roquelaire, or cloak, for several reasons as well. One reason was to protect Montressor from the cold and dampness of the catacombs. A second reason was to hide the trowel, for which he intended to use for the cement with which to wall up the niche. 

    However, there is no mention in the story that the roquelaire is black (although that would have been a nice touch). Only Montressor's silk mask was black. I see no symbolic reason for the cloak; if it had been black, then evil symbolism could be implied. If your teacher suggested this question, you have good reason to call the correction to his/her attention.

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    Posted by bullgatortail on Thursday October 15, 2009 at 4:56 PM