TOW #25: The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe

            Written in the mid-19^th century, The Cask of Amontillado is one of Edgar Allen Poe’s most well-known short stories. His gothic style reminisces the dark childhood that he had, which is clearly depicted in this chilling short story. The Cask of Amontillado begins with the narrator, Montresor, stating his hatred towards his acquaintance, Fortunado. Wanting to get revenge from humiliation that Fortunado had induced, Montresor tricks his friend into a wine dungeon, asking him to taste the expensive Amontillado wine. Once the two of them had reached the end of the cellar, Montresor chains Fortunado to a stone. Fortunado, dizzy from the wine, was not able to fend for himself, falling right into his captor’s hands. Montresor then leaves the catacombs, concluding with the Latin phrase “May he rest in peace.”

            Poe’s use of symbolism and color is essential to understanding the character’s true feelings. Montresor’s face veiled with a black mask symbolizes his hatred and desire for revenge towards Fortunado. In addition, Fortunado’s jester costume represents his gullible and foolish behaviors, eventually fooled by his own friend’s ploy. It is mentioned that as the two “frenemies” venture deeper into the catacombs, they could see “the bones of the dead lying in large piles along the walls” (Poe 70). This could be seen as a hint as to the impending event that ensues between Montresor and Fortunado.