Similarities Between The Cask Of Amontillado And The Tell Tale Heart

Mikayla Watts
Professor Wooten
English 231-751AE
6 April 2023
How Gothic Elements Enhance the Works of Edgar Allan Poe The utilization of Gothic elements in Edgar Allen Poe’s writing is possibly the most notable aspect of his works, separating him from an abundance of other writers. Two of his most famous works, “The Cask of Amontillado” and "The Tell-Tale Heart,” are no strangers to his distinctive style. The Gothic elements in these stories, such as dark settings, deranged characters, and horror components, aid in emphasizing the dark themes pushed by Poe and add a sense of mystery and unconventionalism to his stories. The Gothic genre as a whole can be defined as “dark, eerie, and mysterious . . . ;” (Libguides: Gothic Literature Guide:

“The Cask of Amontillado” tells that Montresor “ . . . vows revenge . . . ” against his longtime rival, Fortunato (Poe “The Cask of Amontillado” 785). What can be seen as Montresor feeling a sense of “pride in the success,” of his murder, seeing it as a repentance for Fortunato’s “sins” (Themes in The Cask of Amontillado). It is also worth noting that there is never a clear description of the sins that Montressor claims have been acted upon. This could likely be something that has been made up in Montressor’s mind, furthering the proof of internal struggles in the character. Several times throughout the story, the wine cellar is referred to, not only as “ . . . catacombs . . . , ” but also, “ . . . the great catacombs of Paris” (Poe, “The Cask of Amontillado” 788-789). The description of the wine cellar being referenced to as catacombs accentuates the darkness that clouds the mind of Monstressor, causing him to take extreme measures for a seemingly harmless

They add graveness and depth to each story, an example being in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” when the narrator speaks extensively about “death . . . ,” which is “approaching the old man.” (Poe “The Tell-Tale Heart 764). He compares it to the “black shadow before him . . . ,” which had, at that point, “enveloped the victim” (Poe “The Tell-Tale Heart 764). Phrases that mention death in a fearful way and black shadows show utilization of horror elements. This is also a scene that holds extremely high tension, as it is when the narrator lurks in the shadows, waiting to kill the old man. High tension in stories add uncertainty for both readers, and characters, which is vital for Gothic literature. “The Cask of Amontillado” uses a setting that adds a chilling feel to the story and foreshadows what is to come later on. As Fortunato and Montressor approach the amontillado, the setting seems to resemble a literal grave that would be dug in the ground. It is described to be “in depth about four feet, in width three, in height six or seven” (Poe “The Cask of Amontillado” 788-789). This is a dark and unnerving setting that helps audiences better visualize what the characters are seeing, and what Fortunato may even be feeling. It is a setting that would put anyone in the mindset of a dark reality, which is what this story closes in. Without