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Retribution In A Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allan Poe

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Interpreting the Theme of Retribution Throughout various short stories, poems, novels and other forms of literary works, authors commonly choose to interpret the theme of revenge. This theory applies specifically to Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Cask of Amontillado” because throughout the entirety of the story, the protagonist strives to achieve vengeance upon a man who wronged him by insulting his family. For the protagonist, Montresor, this revenge must come in its ultimate form, meaning that he must murder Fortunato, the man at fault. Poe divulges into the theme of retribution by utilizing literary techniques such as a vivid setting and forms of irony to aid the reader in fully grasping theme. The setting, which includes the time and place of this …show more content…

Situational irony relates to the setting in conveying how Montresor planned his revenge so meticulously: “Throwing them aside, I soon uncovered a quantity of building stone and mortar. With these materials and with the aid of my trowel, I began vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche” (532). For the carnival celebrations, Montresor ironically dressed as a mason, carrying tools such as a trowel. Masons are constructors or builders who are known for constructing brick walls or buildings. This costume choice is extremely specific for Montresor because he chooses to enact revenge on Fortunato by burying him alive in an enclosed brick wall. Again, this is how Poe utilizes the literary writing technique of irony to further divulge into the theme of retribution. Like Montresor, Fortunato also decided to dress in an oddly ironic costume,“He had on a tight fitting parti-striped dress, and hushed was surmounted by the conical cap and bells. I was so pleased to see him that I thought I should never have done wringing his hand,” (528). Fortunato chose his costume to be a jester, or fool, which ironically describes his character in the plot. Fortunato can be considered a fool because he has fallen victim to a false charade by allowing himself to believe Montresor has acquired a cask of amontillado during its off-season. Textually, Fortunato’s name is another example of irony because the root of the name is fortune, which his character seems to lack. He unfortunately falls victim to an ultimate plot for revenge which results in the loss of his

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