The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe - Essay Example

The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe “The Cask of Amontillado” is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, which was first released in 1846. This is a fascinating piece of literature with deeply psychological motives and themes. With the help of stylistic features in his story, Edgar Poe reveals the inner world of his main character and presents several themes. The first and central theme of “The Cask of Amontillado” is the theme of confession of vengeance. The main character, Montresor, tells about his wicked revenge and how he buried his offender, Fortunato, alive in the wall.

It is interesting, that, according to Montresor’s logic, every crime should be punished. This idea is underpinned by his family motto. A murder out of vengeance, however, should not be punished: “A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser” (Poe, 1846). Consequently, the topic of crime and punishment goes along with a topic of unpunished vengeance in the story. Further important theme, represented in the story, is insanity and obsession. In his story Edgar Poe uses first person narration, so the reader can feel the emotions and feelings of Montresor.

We know that he is humiliated and plans to kill his offender. However, he does not explain his actions and does not say what exactly Fortunato has done to him. He only states that he had to undergo numerous injuries and Fortunato’s insult was the last straw. The lyrical character is obsessed with the idea of revenge and picks up the most horrifying and painful death for his victim, namely, being buried alive. The fact that Montresor has chosen such a bizarre vengeance and has not even told what the offence was can lead us to a thought that he was crazy.

He may have exaggerated Fortunato’s words and actions, taking them for an insult. However, such a theory is controversial. The lyrical character has a clear mind and sharp logical thinking, when he plans his vengeance. He tricks his servants, so that they leave the house and finds the way to take his victim to his vaults. He acts so masterfully that manages to delude everyone and convince his victim in his peaceful intentions. So, it is up to us to decide, whether Montresor is insane, but his obsession is certainly one of the leading themes of the story.

The next very important topics, touched upon in this story, are the themes of envy and vanity. To begin with, it is stated in the text, that Fortunato is a famous rich man, loved and respected by people. Montresor, on the other hand, has lost his weight in society. “You’re rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter,” says the lyrical character, as he leads Fortunato into the dark vaults (Poe, 1864). The reader can distinguish the tone of envy and jealousy in these words very clearly.

These exact feelings may have become the reasons for Montresor’s desire to kill his friend. The theme of vanity also plays a key role in the plot of the story. Montresor uses Fortunato’s conceit to persuade him to follow his future killer. The lyrical character tells his offender that he is going to ask Luchresi for a piece of advice concerning his new wine, and that insults Fortunato. He is convinced that he is the only true wine connoisseur and goes to Montresor’s house, not even suspecting what is waiting there for him.

And the last but not the least, the theme of carnivals and drunkenness is represented in “The Cask of Amontillado”. It is a crucial topic in the story. The cheerful atmosphere of a carnival hides possible dangers for Fortunato and lets Montresor carry out his sinister plan. Moreover, alcohol blunts Fortunato’s caution and watchfulness, and that also serves for the narrator’s benefit. In conclusion, the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe presents a range of themes.

They are intertwined with each other, and together compose the basis of a consummate literary work. Reference List Poe, E. A. (1846). The Cask of Amontillado. Retrieved from