An Eye for an Eye

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"An eye for an eye", this quote is used often among many diversities of people; however, Edgar Allan Poe took this quote to extremes in his story The Cask of Amontillado. Poe's usage of dramatic and verbal irony, foreshadowing and symbolism brings about a strong tale of revenge. Revenge is a feeling that has the ability to over come a person's grip on reality. The narrator, Montresor feels that he was greatly insulted by the unfortunate Fortunado. For this reason Montresor seeks revengeance on Fortunado for his heinous crime.

Dramatic irony is used when we know, or draw a conclusion of, what will happen to Fortunato, although he continues his descent into the catacombs in pursuit of the Amontillado. The sense of revenge reaches its highest peak when Poe uses irony for Montresor to inform us that he will smile in Fortunato's face while using his wine to lure him into the catacombs to taste his imaginary Amontillado. During this scene like a fool in his costume while Montresor is leading him to his death bed. This whole time Montresor plays very innocent.

Verbal irony is used to foreshadow Montresor's plans. These plans are all sparked by his motive for revenge. This is obvious in Montresor's concern for Fortunao's health. Montresor tells Fortunato that his health is precious, and they should turn back so Fortunato does not become ill. Fortunato responds saying, "The cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me." Because Montresor knows how Fortunato will die he responds, "True, True." Not only is this an irony because Montresor could care less about Fortunato's health; just Montresor's advantage of carrying out his plan of revenge, but his statement, "true, true", could also be used as foreshadowing. Montresor does no...

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...for the setting of the story, but more importantly serves as a symbol of Fortunato's foolishness. He is the only one who does not know of Montresor's plans, and for that reason Montresor is able to make a fool out of him. The last symbol is the mentioning of the bells. If the reader has read other works of Poe it is obvious that the bells relate to premature burial. This is how the story ends, with the ringing of the bells.

Poe uses the aspects of dramatic and verbal irony, foreshadowing and symbolism to shape his tale of revenge. Fortunato's fate is death and Montresor tries to make his intentions seem honorable. His intentions were not honorable, just evil. He does however, manage to get what he set out for, revenge.

Works Cited

Gruesser, John. "Poe's The Cask of Amontillado; Criticism and Interpretation." The

Explicator (1998): 129-30.

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