Similarities Between The Cask Of Amontillado And The Masque Of The Red Death

In Edgar Allan Poe's morbid tales, "The Mask of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado," the themes of arrogance and superiority are displayed vividly. Both narratives show characters who fall prey to their own inflated egos, ultimately meeting their demise. Fortunato in "The Cask of Amontillado" and Prospero in "The Mask of the Red Death" bring themselves towards their own fatal consequences. Upon close examination of their actions and interactions, it becomes clear that their arrogance is the harbinger of their downfall. Adam In "The Cask of Amontillado," by Edgar Allen Poe, Fortunato's arrogance is palpable in his unwavering confidence in his own abilities, particularly his prowess in wine tasting. Literary critic Scott Peeples, in

This declaration not only showcases his arrogance, but his superiority as well. Furthermore, Fortunato's arrogance is evident in his dismissal of Montresor's concerns about the dampness of the catacombs, as he proudly proclaims, "The cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough" (Poe, "The Cask of Amontillado"). This statement underscores Fortunato's disdain for weakness and his unwavering confidence in his own resilience. However, this arrogance ultimately proves to be his undoing, as it blinds him to the true danger lurking beneath Montresor's friendly facade. Literary critic David Grantz, in his analysis of Poe's works, highlights how Fortunato's hubris leads to his downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked pride

Yet, this false sense of security becomes his undoing, as he ultimately faces the very fate he sought to evade. Literary scholar J. Gerald Kennedy, in writing "The Mask of the Red Death: An Interpretation," posits that Prospero's hubris stems from his belief in his ability to control his environment, a belief shattered by the inevitability of mortality (Kennedy).In "The Mask of the Red Death," Prospero's arrogance serves as a catalyst for his eventual downfall, as he believes himself impervious to the horrors of the Red Death. This arrogance is evident in his lavish masquerade ball, where he and his elite companions indulge in revelry while the outside world suffers from the devastating plague. Prospero's disdain for the severity of the situation is epitomized in his command to "seize him and unmask him—that we may know whom we have to hang at sunrise, from the battlements!" Poe, "Past" - "Past" This quote not only showcases Prospero's haughty disregard for the plight of others, but also his delusion of control over life and