The phrase “Nemo me impune lacessit”, referring to the late 1500s motto of the of the Order of the Thistle in Scotland, is now a familiar quote in the short story “Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allen Poe. In his dramatic story, the protagonist Montresor quotes these words as an ironic threat to the antagonist Fortunato and is also ordained as a theme. Perhaps, the coincidence that Poe uses this Latin quote in his story leads to the presumption that his entire story is based on irony. “Nemo me impune lacessit” literally means no one attacks me with impunity. After much reflection on the story, he imposes on us a sense of ironic theme in the dialogue and action of the characters. Therefore, if I were to suggest that the Latin quote is an exceptional theme of the story then much evidence could be offered to support it …show more content…
He has the belief that Montresor is a good friend of his. This provides evidence that Montresor’s plot prior to their meeting is situational irony on Fortunato’s behalf because he is expecting a jestful night of wine or Amontillado with Montresor. As the audience we know otherwise. Poe’s extraordinary and careful articulation in the “Cask of Amontillado” leads to several ironies As “Nemo me impune lacessit” is placed as the theme of the short story we can infer that Poe creates a plot of irony. Irony is used throughout the story; even in the