Examples Of Verbal Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado

Throughout reading Edger Alan Poe’s short story’s “The Cask of Amontillado” we are able to infer the intentions of the characters through Poe's use of irony. The character Montresor has been insulted by another character, Fortunato. As a result of Fortunato’s insult, Montresor vows to seek revenge of Fortunato by punishing with impunity. In order for Montresor’s devious plan to be carried out, Poe implements various examples of verbal irony throughout his story.
The first instance readers notice verbal irony being used, Montresor pretends as if he cares about Fortunato’s well-being. Montresor encounters Fortunato on the street during the carnival season and tells him about a pipe of Amontillado be supposedly came into possession of. In doing so, Montresor knows that Fortunato prides himself on being a wine connoisseur and Montresor knows that he will desire to witness this rare commodity. Once he sneakily ropes Fortunato into coming with him to examine this Amontillado, Fortunato begins to cough and Montresor says, “‘My friend,

At this point in the story, Montresor has chained Fortunato to the wall at the end of the crypt. Montresor begins to mortar stones in front of Fortunato to bury him alive. Fortunato comes out of his drunken stoop, he begins to realize what is happening and pleads for Montresor to release him. Fortunato says, "'For the love of God, Montresor!'" and Montresor replies, "' Yes, for the love of God '"(83-84). The readers can understand this quote as an example of verbal irony because the readers know that this story is taking place during carnival season. The purpose of the carnival season is so people may commit all of their sins so that they will be able to be sin free once lint begins. So, it is ironic that Montresor would say, "for the love of god," during a time of cleansing for