Use Of Dramatic Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado

Edgar Allan Poe in his story “Cask of Amontillado” uses foreshadowing and dramatic irony to demonstrate suspense and mystery. By using these two literary elements the author can make the readers think about what is going to happen and if they should take everything that is said literal or not. Foreshadowing helps add a dramatic tension in the story making the anticipation of the story that much greater. Also, dramatic irony is used to allow the reader to feel more involved by allowing them to know information that the characters do not.

For example, Montresor states, “Come,” I said, with decision,” we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed.

For me it is no matter. We will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be responsible…” Fortunato responds, “…I shall not die of a cough.” Montresor replies, “True-True…” and by doing this Poe allows room for the reader to anticipate what is going to happen. This quote is a clear example of foreshadowing and can be clearly seen as Poe pointing out that Fortunato is going to die. Allowing suspicion and a dark element access into the story. This allows the reader to think of how Fortunado might meet his doom, making the reader more interactive with the story and allowing Poe to keep the readers attention.
Moreover, Poe using foreshadowing to help add an anticipation tension that can only be released by finishing the story.

For example, Montresor states that he had “vowed revenge” and that he wants to “punish with impunity,” This shows the reader that Montresor is serious and vows to take drastic measures to insure what he wants. He doesn’t say whom he vows to take these measures on, but by not being specific it allows suspicion to build. This is due to the fact that we know what Montresors agenda is, even if we do not know whom he plans on hurting. This is a good example of foreshadowing because the reader does not know what is going to happen, but can get an idea of what might

occur.
Furthermore, another example of foreshadowing is what Fortunato is wearing. He is dressed as a jester, which can be seen as the role he will be playing in the story, which is Montresor’s fool. This helps the reader suspect that Fortunato might be the person that Montresor is planning on harming. Poe describes Fortunado as “The man wore motely. He had on tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells.” This tells the read exactly what Fortunado was wearing and what he was dressed as. Also, as the story goes on Fortunato fills the role of jester ever more as he continues to drink becoming drunk, sillier and more pathetic.
Another example of foreshadowing is when Fortunato and Montresor head down toward the cellar without being seen by anyone.

The two were not seen because Montresor told his servants that he would be out and that they could leave the house. Montresor says, “These orders were sufficient, I well knew, to insure their immediate disappearance, one and all, as soon as my back is turned.” This will make the reader wonder why Montresor does not want his servants at the house. This quote is important because it foreshadows the fact that Montresor wants to lead Fortunado to the catacombs permanently and without being seen by

others.
Additionally, a good example of dramatic irony is when Montresor tells Fortunato that he is also a mason. Montresor says, “It is this,” I answered, producing from beneath the folds of my roquelaire a trowel.” This is said because Fortunato asks Montresor what his sign is. Fortunato does not yet know that he has been lead down to the catacombs to be apart of Montresors murder plot. The reader understands that the trowel will be used as apart of Montresors plan, but Fortunado still does not understand why Fortunato has a trowel.
In addition, another use of irony is that Fortunato believes there is actually Amontillado that he can taste or buy. The reader knows or at least strongly believes that the Amontillado does not exist. Through out the story, the Amontillado is what pushes the characters forward. The thought of Amontillado allows Montresor to lure Fortunato into the catacomb. This shows the dramatic irony that Montresor is able to fool Fortunato with the promise of something that does not exist.
In conclusion, Edgar Allen Poe uses the literary elements foreshadowing and dramatic irony in, “ The Cask of Amontillado” in order to create suspense and mystery to his story. By achieving these elements, Poe is able to make the readers speculate and be intrigued about what is going to happen throughout the story.