Symbolism In Edgar Allen Poe's A Cask Of Amontillado

In Edgar Allen Poe’s, “A Cask of Amontillado” it is filled with symbolism, irony and the suggestion of good versus evil. The narrator of the story, Montresor, hides behind a mask, who is of a different world than others. Some might say that he is slick, diabolical, calculative man who is out for revenge with impunity. Being a descendant from a very powerful aristocratic family, Montresor could not possibly let Fortunato insult him with impunity. As his family motto states, “Nemo me impune lacessit,” which means, no one attacks me with impunity. He never states what Fortunato did to deserve the ultimate punishment. He only states, “ the thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge”

Fortunato is dressed as a jester or the costume of a court fool. Jesters were traditionally hired to amuse the king, but they were known for being fools. They are very gullible just as Fortunato is. “The fool” is a person that is very trusting of everything and sees the good in all. In his drunken state, he was unable to see the dark creature behind the mask, possibly wearing the rose-colored lenses, just as the townspeople. Fortunato becomes even more gullible when he drunk. Due to his blurry mental state, he is even less capable of detecting Montresor’s true nature. Montresor’s costume is that of a “mask of black silk” and conceals himself in “a roquelaire,” which is a thick cloak. The reader does not know what color it is but his ensemble, masks his identity and his evil plans to harm Fortunato. The dark mask also signifies the role of an executioner. Montresor chooses to wear the mask because it hides his true nature. Platizky, in his article, “Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado,” brings up an interesting suggestion: “Since Montresor is costumed as an executioner when he walls up Fortunato, it is worth recalling that live burial was once a practiced form of capital punishment.” In the sixteenth century, being buried alive was the severe punishment for wrong doings. Platizky states, “one of the most pragmatic of these devices, which involved the place of bells on the limbs of the recently dead.” He goes on

A cask is defined as a large barrel-like container used for storing liquids, typically alcoholic beverages. A cask can also be defined as a place where someone is laid to rest in. Amontillado is very expensive and luxurious wine that Montresor promises Fortunato at the end of the catacombs. It is very telling that Fortunato’s cask, if you will, is the Amontillado, itself. Fortunato’s self-indulgence has led him straight to the end of the catacombs, but also to the end of his life. Montresor uses his quick wit and sly moves knowing that Fortunato would never be able to resist such a delicacy. Fortunato believes that he will ultimately reach a cask of wine, but interestingly enough, Fortunato meets his casket of death. Amontillado illustrates enjoyment and satisfaction to Fortunato. He is willing to go through the darkest depths of death to get what he wants. Traveling down into the catacombs, the nitre starts to bother him, but his mind is set on getting the Amontillado. Fortunato states, “I shall not die of a cough” (Poe 545). Montresor even gives Fortunato the chance to turn back. “Come,” I said with decision, “we will go back; your health is precious” (Poe 545). In the end, for Fortunato, Amontillado means confinement by his own aspirations. He is trapped and there is nothing he can do but die; although, this could be considered freedom from his