Cask Of Amontillado Irony Analysis
Edgar Allen Poe uses many examples of irony to help enhance his short story, “Cask of Amontillado” to build a story. Poe does not directly state what is going to happen, but indirectly implies what is going to happen using irony. The story starts off with Montresor wanting vengeance against Fortunato. In order to get Montresor's satisfactory with his revenge, Fortunato must know what's happening to him, and Montresor must not get caught. Fortunato is at a carnival when he catches a glimpse of Montresor. He then walks up to Fortunato and starts with a lovely greating, “How remarkably well you are looking today” (Poe 59). This shows how Montressor is being very kind and nice to Fortunato. He is trying to make friends with him so Fortunato does
not expect anything. Also it is important that other people do not know as well so Montresor does not look like a suspect. This is an example of verbal irony. Fortunato was wearing a jester suit and Montresor says he is looking good when obviously he looks ridiculous. This was not the only example of irony. “I shall not die of a cough” (Poe 61). This is an example of dramatic irony. The quote is very important because the readers already know he is going to be harmed and possibly die by Montresor. This quote is so ironic because he thinks he is not going to die. This also shows that Fortunato does not suspect that he is going to be harmed. The final example of irony is quite humorous. “Indeed, I had no intention of alarming you unnecessarily but you should use all proper caution” (Poe 61). This is an example of a situational irony. The qoute is very ironic considering the audience knows that Montresor wants to get revenge and his intentions are to hurt him. This is important to the story because it also shows that Montresor “cares” for Fortunato and makes Fortunato think he is being nurturing towards him. Fortunato would not go with Montressor if he did not build that trust with him. The irony helps build up the story and creates suspense not knowing where the story is going to go next. If Poe says that he is going to harm Fortunato, it would not build up tention at all.
not expect anything. Also it is important that other people do not know as well so Montresor does not look like a suspect. This is an example of verbal irony. Fortunato was wearing a jester suit and Montresor says he is looking good when obviously he looks ridiculous. This was not the only example of irony. “I shall not die of a cough” (Poe 61). This is an example of dramatic irony. The quote is very important because the readers already know he is going to be harmed and possibly die by Montresor. This quote is so ironic because he thinks he is not going to die. This also shows that Fortunato does not suspect that he is going to be harmed. The final example of irony is quite humorous. “Indeed, I had no intention of alarming you unnecessarily but you should use all proper caution” (Poe 61). This is an example of a situational irony. The qoute is very ironic considering the audience knows that Montresor wants to get revenge and his intentions are to hurt him. This is important to the story because it also shows that Montresor “cares” for Fortunato and makes Fortunato think he is being nurturing towards him. Fortunato would not go with Montressor if he did not build that trust with him. The irony helps build up the story and creates suspense not knowing where the story is going to go next. If Poe says that he is going to harm Fortunato, it would not build up tention at all.