Examples Of Dramatic Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado

Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” is a thrilling and a suspenseful tragedy filled with irony. At the beginning of the story, the protagonist, Montresor explains how he desires for revenge. “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge.” (233). He warns the reader something unfortunate will happen to the antagonist, Fortunato. The story follows two wine connoisseurs throughout the night as they walk through the dark catacombs. “The Cask of Amontillado,” includes verbal, situational, and dramatic irony, which causes the reader to experience suspense, confusion, and horror.

Poe’s use of verbal irony emphasizes Montresor’s plan to kill Fortunato. For example, Montresor says, “My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met!” (234). Montresor is lucky to meet Fortunato because he plans is to kill him. However, it is obvious that Fortunato is unlucky to

have run into Montresor. Also, as Fortunato begins coughing, Montresor states, “Come, we will go back; your health is precious.” (235). Montresor neither cares for Fortunato’s health nor has intentions of turning back. He is luring Fortunato to see a cask of wine that does not exist; it is a subterfuge to execute Fortunato’s immolation. Finally, Fortunato throws his bottle upward in a gesticulation that Montresor does not comprehend. Since he does not understand, Fortunato says,“‘You are not of the Masons.’ ‘Yes, yes,’ Montresor replies, ‘yes, yes.’ ‘You? Impossible! A Mason?’ ‘A mason.’” (237). Here, Montresor alludes to the fact that he is a type of mason; ironically, he will be entombing Fortunato within the catacombs. Though the suspense of verbal irony is the most obvious; situational irony brings more mystery to this tragedy.
“The Cask of Amontillado” is filled with suspenseful situational irony, which focuses on how Montresor performs the unexpected.

While Montresor leads Fortunato into the vaults to see the non-existent cask of wine, Fortunato does not realize he is about to his “cask.” Ironically, the word “cask” is derived from the same word used to form “casket.” This idea was hidden within Poe’s writing as Montresor plans revenge against Fortunato. Secondly, Montresor then describes how he plans to kill Fortunato; however, the reader assumes a sudden death. To the audience’s surprise, Montresor plans an unpleasant death by burying him alive in the catacombs. Lastly, Montresor states, “My heart is sick, it must be from the air.” (238). This quote is ironic, because putting Fortunato’s life to an end does not sicken him as much as the air does. He is a corrupt and evil man, who does not regret any actions he has made. While situational irony takes the reader by surprise, dramatic irony brings thrill and curiosity to the thoughts in Montresor’s

mind.
Dramatic irony reveals Montresor’s thoughts about Fortunato. At the beginning of the story, Montresor states, “I must not only punish, but punish with impunity.” (233). Montresor says he is retaliating against Fortunato because of an insult. Since, Montresor never explains what Fortunato said, virtually Fortunato dies without ever knowing why. “I drink,” Montresor said, “to the buried that repose around us.” “And I to your long life.” (235). Montresor’s toast to Fortunato’s “long life” informs the audience that Fortunato will die, though Fortunato is completely unaware. Lastly, Montresor shows concern about Fortunato’s health and requests him to return to the carnival. From the tone of the speech, the audience can see that Montresor is not fretful about Fortunato’s health and instead is carrying a friendly act. Throughout the story, Poe's use of dramatic irony allows the readers to be a part of Montresor's thoughts.
Edgar Allan Poe’s use of irony adds excitement and fear to the story. This literary technique keeps the reader involved throughout the suspense and excitement. “The Cask of Amontillado” ends when Montresor tricks Fortunato by burying him alive, while he is chained to the wall. This surprising ending is to catch the reader off guard, and make them wonder what may happen to Montresor after his cruel revenge. The resolution is extremely suspenseful because this inhumane event is hard to image.