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Foreshadowing In The Cask Of Amontillado

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In "The Cask of Amontillado" Edgar Allen Poe uses foreshadowing to convey the narrative's theme; humans have a great want for revenge which causes them to act in devilish ways. It is human nature to want vengeance on the people who wrong oneself. The protagonist, Montresor, wants revenge on the antagonist, Fortunato. In the narrative Montresor states, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge"(Poe 61). Montresor tried to endure the injuries but he no longer could when Fortunato took his presence too far. As a result of this, foreshadowing is used to convey that it is human nature to seek revenge. In some cases, humans crave revenge so badly it makes them act with evil intentions. …show more content…

Later Montresor states, "Fortunato possessed himself of my arm; and putting on a mask of black silk and drawing a roquelaure closely about my person" (Poe 63). Furthermore, the black mask that Montresor puts on foreshadows death. The custom of wearing black at funerals dates back to the Roman Empire, where they would wear black as a sign of death and mourning. Montresor is almost mocking Fortunato by wearing "a mask of black silk". Montresor has knowledge of what is going to happen unfortunately, Fortunato does not. Due to the fact that black is a deathly color foreshadows that murderous actions will take place. By wearing the mask it makes Montresor feel a sense of security and protection, as if his evil side isn't veiling behind the mask. Montresor is second guessing himself; any person would do the same if carrying out a plan that involves murder. Montresor is finally confident that Fortunato has no interpretation on what is about to happen. After walking into the Catacombs even farther Montresor says, "It is this," I answered, producing from beneath the folds of my roqulaure a trowel"(Poe

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