In the Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe,

Question

How does the writer’s diction reveal or reflect the work’s meaning?

What is the effect of the plot, and what parts specifically produce that effect?

What figures of speech are used? (metaphors, similes, etc.) Note the writer’s use of paradox, irony, symbol, plot, characterization, and style of narration.

What effects are produced? Do any of these relate to one another or to the theme?

Is there a relationship between the beginning and the end of the story?

Answer 1

Question 1: Poe uses exaggerations to show that the narration is biased. There is only 1 perspective, or point of view, throughout the story, which is the perspective of Montresor. In the opening of the story, Poe uses very strong vocabulary words such as "revenge . . . threat . . . avenged . . . punish . . . punish . . . retribution . . . redresser . . . avenger." to show the reader that this story will be about Montresor wanting revenge.

Question 2: The plot is very straightforward and revealed from the beginning. The narrator (Montresor) reveals that someone named Fortunato has repeatedly injured and insulted him. Montresor vows to get revenge. The rest of the story shows how Montresor gets his revenge.

Question 3: "It hangs like moss upon the vaults." (pg.177) -simile

"He turned towards me, and looked into my eyes with two filmy orbs that distilled the rheum of intoxication." (pg.176) -metaphor

"His eyes flashed with a fierce light." (pg.177) -metaphor

"My heart grew sick..." (pg.179) -personification

"The drops of moisture trickle among the bones." (pg. 176) -metaphor

Question 4: The main themes in The Cask of Amontillado are the corrupting influence of revenge and the nature of sin and atonement. The entire short story describes revenge as Montresor recalls his victory over Fortunato. The problem is, Montresor is so consumed by his need for revenge that he corrupts what could have been a true friendship.

Regarding sin and atonement, the entire story is told 50 years after Fortunato's death. Montresor does not show remorse, or lack of remorse, for his actions. This ambiguity questions the nature and purpose of his revenge confession.

Question 5: The story takes place in two time periods. The beginning and end are related because they are the parts of Montresor telling the story in retrospect, 50 years after he got his revenge over Fortunato. The middle of the story is the events unfolding on the night of Carnaval.