Cask Of Amontillado Symbolism

The Cask of Amontillado is a story written by Edgar Allen Poe, one of the most famous gothic poet and story writer born in Boston on January 19, 1809. The story features the antagonist Montessor, plotting revenge on his enemy Fortunato for disrespecting him. He encounters Fortunato at a seasonal evening carnival, “It was about dusk one evening, during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my “friend” (84). Fortunato was drunk and vulnerable, “Fortunato, who had seemed to have “been drinking much” (84).” Montessor sees this as his chance to take revenge on Fortunato, he promptly makes his move by complementing Fortunato saying “How remarkably well you are looking today” (84).” Fortunato liked what he said and he was
more susceptible to Montessor’s manipulation now, he used that to lure Fortunato into his home and get him drunk on his favorite drink; Amontillado. When they run out of Amontillado Montessor lures him into his crypt, “As Montresor and Fortunato continue on to find the Amontillado, they “arrive at a deep crypt” (87). Edgar gave really nice visual imagery here, ”upon the damp grounds of the catacombs…” (85). This story contains multiple forms of irony, but it is made very apparent here to when the place Fortunato is going to be killed is in a crypt; catacomb. Fortunato started coughing due to the dampness and Montessor consoled him with sweet things like, “We will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, resected, admired, beloved: you are happy, as once I was” (86).” Fortunato replies with, “The cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me” (86),” this quote is very ironic because he is going to be killed regardless by Montessor. Montessor leads Fortunato into his trap “In its surface…..two iron staples distanced from each other about two feet” (88).” Gravel and dirt came pouring down onto Fortunato like waves suffocating him to death. As Edgar intended, the antagonist of the story wins at the end, Montessor got his revenge.