Examples Of Mood In The Cask Of Amontillado

Mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional situation that surrounds the readers. In the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe there are many moods such as creepy, sad, violent, and ironic. Montresor meets Fortunato at a carnival, lures him into the catacombs of his home, and buries him alive. Montresor who decides to seek revenge against Fortunato specifically creates a mood of suspense. Who knew that insulting someone could lead to a dark and suspenseful death for Fortunato? In this unusual short story of persistent revenge and terror, the reader is in suspense from the beginning because Fortunato has allegedly committed against Montresor and of the redress that he has outlined. Poe starts by telling you the characters plans. Part of Montresor’s plan was to lure Fortunato to the location by offering him irresistible wine. Montresor knew that “in the matter of old wines he was sincere” (3). Materially, both Fortunato and Montresor are skillful in the Italian vintages. So as the discussion about the wine takes place and the victims excitement at the rare, expensive wine the reader is in

Montresor approaches him with the knowledge of “The Montresors, these vaults, and the motto” (6). They “had passed through the walls of piled bones, with casks and puncheons intermingling, into the inmost recesses of the catacombs.” The Montresors were a great and numerous family and the vaults were extensive. “Nemo me impune lacessit” is Latin for “No one attacks me with impunity.” Additionally, Poe included “a huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel” (6) to emphasize the tension and bizarre surroundings that they are enduring. Montresor has an abiding respect for