Analysis of the Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe - Essay Example

The story is depicted in first person narration. The writer makes use of simple diction and weaves the web of words in a manner that keeps the readers enthralled and forces them to read till the end in order to determine the whole story in other words the story catches and holds of the readers’ interest. The plot of the story gradually develops. The story reaches at its climax when it is stated, ‘In niche, and finding an instant he had reached the extremity of the niche, and finding his progress arrested by the rock, stood stupidly bewildered.

A moment more and I had fettered him to the granite. In its surface were two iron staples, distant from each other about two feet, horizontally.’ This climax is also the point where Montresor’s intentions and manner in which he will kill Fortunato is revealed to the readers. The author also makes use of irony and foreshadowing which is a technique that further heightens the anticipation of readers to know the upcoming action taking place in the story. As mentioned, ‘the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.

’ This phrase foreshadows the approaching Montresor’s betrayal of Fortunato’s trust. Moreover it is ironic when Montresor says, ‘And I to your long life’ because even when he says so he was plotting Fortunato’s murder.. I continued, as was my wont to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation’. Symbolism is another stylistic technique that is used by the author. The whole prose is a metaphorical representation of degeneration and desolation of man.

The brutal treatment of Montresor is symbolic of the animalistic side of human beings and reiterates the fact that man has turned in to a monster disguised in the body of a human being. He is a self indulgent and selfish creature as his only priority in life is himself as it is also apparent from the beginning lines of the story where it is stated, ‘THE THOUSAND INJURIES of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul…’ This further illustrates the fact that Montresor keeps grudges in his heart and the intensity of his hatred knows no bounds of rationality and sensibility.

Chains are also symbolic of the shackles of insincerity and selfishness that hold human beings in a death grip hence resulting in a lack of sense of responsibility and sensitivity to others. This degeneration is also demonstrated by the heap of bones that were their in the catacombs. As also stated in the text, ‘From the fourth side the bones had been thrown down, and lay promiscuously upon the earth, forming at one point a mound of some size. Within the wall thus exposed by the displacing of the bones…’ Moreover the clothing of Fortunato is also symbolic of his being a fool since he is attired as a clown or a costume of a fool as mentioned in the story, ‘ The man wore