Effects Of The Cask Of Amontillado

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Edgar Allan Poe -- one of the most acclaimed authors of American Literature -- is known for his ominous stories and inclusions of characters with a corrupted mind. These sinister elements of Poe’s works allow him to incorporate a terrifying effect which readers are bound to succumb to. Poe believes that every piece of literature should cast a single intense emotion upon its audience. In Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado,” the protagonist Montresor plots an unthinkable revenge upon his oblivious friend, Fortunato. This devious plan is completed by challenging Fortunato’s wine expertise and masculinity. Additionally, Montresor allows his friend to get drunk until the point of extreme discombobulation and proceeds to take advantage of …show more content…

Additionally, the vague elements of the setting can be utilized to support the single effect. The varying nationalities from French to Italian, as well as, differing traditional terms keep readers from being able to determine the exact location of the setting. Also, the time of the story’s occurrence is never directly stated. The exclusion of these key facts allow the reader's imagination to take control. In addition, the setting and exposition are free of any magical or supernatural happenings, which allows readers to focus on the evil of humans without the interference of outside demonic forces. To further prove this, “For Poe, it is not supernatural beings that people should fear; the real horror lies in what human beings themselves are capable of” (Richard Benton 19). This quote proves that by leaving details out of the setting, Poe succeeds at allowing readers to explore the darkness of their own imagination while also understanding the full human capacity for evil. Overall, the disturbing, specific details of the setting and the brief vagueness of the exposition both equally contribute to maintaining the horrifying effect for which Poe was …show more content…

He raised it to his lips with a leer. He paused and nodded to me familiarly, while his bells jingled” (Poe 93). This quote displays Fortunato’s obliviousness to the situation as well as Montresor's slyness to approaching this crime. Additionally, Montresor decides to make this death as terrifying as possible, and even receives great pleasure from observing Fortunato's pain. For instance, “ The homicidal victimizer Montresor is fully aware of the horrors of enclosure and enjoys them, after having planned to make them as terrifying as possible” (Leonard Engel 27). A further example of this enjoyment can be seen when Montresor stops to listen to the pleas of the dying Fortunato and maintains a smile throughout the process. Accordingly, the complete dominance Montresor held and the unnerving pleasure he received from killing his friend play a role in creating Poe’s sought after single effect of

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