Analysis Of The Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allan Poe

The story of “The Cask of Amontillado” tells of a man who made the decision to enact revenge upon another for the “thousand injuries” he had caused him (Poe 344). Poe uses a revengeful theme to write this story. The way Poe develops his mood of suspense and dread with his theme of revenge will surely satisfy those who love horror.
First of all, Poe supports his suspenseful and dreadful mood with his vivid imagery. For example, Poe’s use of imagery is shown when Montresor is walling in Fortunado. As Poe says, “I laid the second tier, and the third, and the fourth”(Poe 350), and then continues to say “...without interruption the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh tier”(Poe 351), it draws a picture in the reader’s mind. It makes the reader image Montresor slowly put up each tier of the wall, one by one. Another example is shown when Fortunado struggles in the chains. Poe mentions the “furious vibrations of the chain”(Poe 350), and it appeals to the reader’s sense of hearing. This allows the reader to imagine the noises of Fortunado struggling and

For instance, as Poe describes Montresor’s feelings and his plan for Fortunado, it gives the reader an impression of him. For example, when he talks about how Montresor “vowed revenge” after “thousand injuries” (Poe 344) he had borne, it makes the reader think Montresor is revenge-driven to somehow harm Fortunado. This leaves the reader with an impression of Montresor being a slightly, but not completely insane person. One other example of how Poe uses characterization to support the story’s mood is when Montresor pretends to worry for Fortunado’s health. Montresor says things like “we will go back ere it is too late” (Poe 348) and asks Fortunado “How long have you had that cough?” (Poe 346). This implies that Montresor is concerned about Fortunado, but the reader knows it is all just a clever ploy to convince Fortunado into feeling