The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe: Theme of Revenge

The Cask of Amontillado People do unspeakable actions when blinded by revenge. “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge” (Poe 1). In “the Cask of Amontillado” Edgar Allan Poe expresses characterization and irony to illustrate the theme of revenge. In the beginning of the story, Montresor elaborates about being insulted and every time he sees Fortunato, he acts as if they are good friends; when in the mind of Monstresor they are the opposite. The characterization starts right off the bat with this story; Fortunato is dressed as a clown, which is what he turns into at the end of the story…a fool. This outfit also shows his personality and his attitude towards life. Fortunato is a very playful and carefree person when he is drunk; the clown costume shows the reader what type of character he is before the story really begins. It shows how much of a fool he is when he is tricked by Monstresor with making up this so called rare, delicious tasting wine that doesn’t exist. On the other hand Monstresor is dressed quite the opposite as Fortunato; he is dressed in a silk black mask along with a roquelaire. This shows the reader that he is dark and that he will do something devious by the stories end. Monstresor shows a mysterious character, that is taking Fortunato down a deep dark path; or in other words his family’s catacombs. Another form of characterization is the names of some of the characters. Fortunato is from the word fortunate, and this shows irony and characterization. His name shows how unfortunate he will be at the end of the story because he is left to die in the catacombs. The setting of the carnival showed the reader Monstresor and Fortunato’s situation because it represents Monstresor’s action towards him. The carnival is a place of games and shows full of trickery. Monstresor is acting as if he has no problem with Fortunato but he really has a grudge;