Ironic Amontillado Edgar Allan Poe uses many elements of literature to help create personalities for the characters within his story. One such element is irony, the use of one’s meaning by using the opposite of what the language normally symbolizes. In his short story, “The Cask of Amontillado”, Edgar Allan Poe uses irony throughout the story to diminish Fortunato’s doubts about the wine in Montresor’s possession. Poe uses three different types of ironies: dramatic, verbal and situational, to create a dark atmosphere throughout the story. Through the use of irony, the conflict between Montresor and Fortunato is seen throughout the story, resulting in the death of Fortunato. Although the story is written in first person through Montresor’s eyes, the narrator remains unknown until the end of the story, leaving the readers in suspense. Montresor has one goal in mind, which is to avenge Fortunato. He plans to kill Fortunato by luring him into believing he has found a rare wine, Amontillado. When Montresor brought Fortunato into the crypt, he ensures that …show more content…
Although carnivals typically have a joyous atmosphere, Poe illustrates the carnevale in a ominous setting. He states, “It was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my friend” (Poe 165). Carnivals are often perceived as vivacious places where people have a joyful time. Montresor, however, uses the liveliness of the carnival to mask and trick Fortunato into following him. The happiness from the carnival is taken away and is instead replaced with a dark cloud from the impending death of Fortunato. Fortunato is seen wearing “a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head I was surmounted by the conical cap and bells” (Poe 165). Fortunato is dressed up as a “fool” in his silly costume as opposed to an all attire representing death. Since Fortunato does not foresee his death, his comical attire is