The Cask of Amontillado Study Guide
The father of detective genre, Edgar Allan Poe, is known and loved for his short stories that keep the reader in suspense till the every last page. “The Cask of Amontillado” is surely one of the most popular among one of them. In 1846 it was published in a lady’s magazine but was highly acclaimed by the audience of all genders, ages, and ethical origins.
The master of horror and detective stories, Mr. Poe, knows how to impress not only with a smart and witty plot but also with a wonderful ability to keep the suspense going and create a special ambiance. The story is happening in a midst of a carnival, which creates a very special atmosphere. The whole city is involved in it: full streets of houses were abandoned, all servants left, the time has stopped.
In a middle of a loud and chaotic celebration, a cold-hearted revenge is taking place. At the beginning of the book, Montresor explains that his neighbor, Fortunato severely insulted him and he will never forget it. So the long quest for delicate but cruel revenge begins.
He lures the enemy with something Fortunato really likes – Montresor lies that he’d bought some nice Amontillado wine and invites his nemesis to try it. As the couple is going deeper and deeper into the cellar, their dialogues become more and more somber. Through these talks, we discover the dark nature of human personality and hard feelings.
The book isn’t just about revenge, even though it plays an important role. The text constantly provokes thoughts about the nature of revenge: what is its purpose, who benefits from it, what it gives to the insulted one? Is it possible to be happier after it? The author doesn't give an answer; it’s up to you to decide for yourself.
Author: Arron Johnston
New Essays
Irony in the Cask of Amontillado Edgar Allan Poe used irony efficiently in his short story “Irony in the Cask of Amontillado “. He used verbal irony to show a contrast between what is said and what is actually meant. He also uses situational irony which is when things turn out to be contrary or...
Irony of The Cask of Amontillado Many of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories contain a wide variety of irony, motifs, and symbolism. The unity of these elements within many of his tales creates specific moods in and throughout his works. One story in particular, The Cask of Amontillado not only...
The Cask of Amontillado - Montresor’s untrustworthiness and mental instability The cask of amontillado is a short story that Edgar Allen Poe wrote in 1846. Poe has written this particular story to be told in a first person point of view. Since Montresor is the narrator this concludes the fact that...
The Cask of Amontillado “The Cask of Amontillado” is an interesting short story about a man, Montreso, who feels he has been wronged in the past and who seeks extreme retaliation on the person who has committed this evil deed. Evidence of this is found in the passage from the story: “I must not...