Analyzing "The Cask OF Amontillado"
In what way is Montresor an unreliable narrator? How does the use of an unreliable narrator influence readers' views of Montresor's actions? Cite evidence from the text to support your response.
Montresor is considered an unreliable narrator because his opinion of Fortunato is biased. Montresor feels greatly wronged by Fortunato, but the exact wrongdoing that Fortunato has committed is never clearly mentioned in the story. As a result, readers cannot comprehend or agree with Montresor's extreme form of revenge, which actually makes readers sympathize with Fortunato. In addition, readers do not have any background on Montresor, so Montresor's sanity is questionable, considering he formulates and carries out an elaborate plan to entomb and murder someone who insulted him.
What does the structure of this short story say about Montresor's perception of the events in the story?
Montresor narrates the story about 50 years after the events took place. The audience to whom Montresor is narrating the story is not defined. The fact that this story is told from the first person allows the reader to believe and even trust the descriptions and actions of Montresor. If the story had been told from Fortunato's point of view, the reader would likely view Montresor as a monster.
In "The Cask of Amontillado," Poe uses numerous examples of figurative language and symbolism. Identify and analyze the meaning of elements of symbolism from the story. How do these examples carry influence or reinforce the overall meaning of the story?
To convey the intended meaning, Poe uses symbolism throughout "The Cask of Amontillado." Here are some examples of symbolism in the story: Poe uses the word cask to mean "casket" in the story. Fortunato single-mindedly looks for the cask, in terms of a barrel of wine, but all the while Montresor single-mindedly envisions Fortunato in a casket. Thus, in search of a cask, Fortunato ends up in his casket. Fortunato's jesterlike clothing, complete with the bell on his hat, conveys that he is a buffoon or that he is simple-minded. It is this naivety that Montresor exploits to trick Fortunato into entering the catacomb. The long, dark journey Montresor and Fortunato take in the catacomb is symbolic of Montresor delving deeper into his madness and fury and Fortunato delving deeper into his pride and naivety. The Montresor family motto is the Latin phrase Nemo me impune lacessit, which means, "No one attacks me with impunity." This motto serves as foreshadowing of Montresor's actions against Fortunato. Montresor often refers to the nitre in the story, calling it "the white webwork which gleams from these cavern walls." The nitre symbolizes a web that surrounds Fortunato, allowing him no escape from the tomb.
Based on what you have learned about gothic literature, write a 3- to 5-page short story that incorporates some of the gothic elements discussed in this lesson, such as figurative language and sensory details. To improve your story, helpful writing practices include brainstorming, outlining, writing a first draft, and then reviewing and revising your story.
Your story should include figurative language and sensory details, as well as some of the following points: Setting—Where does your story take place? The setting should add to the mystique of the story. Gothic elements might include a medieval castle with trapdoors, a cavernous dungeon, and dimly lit towers. Eerie surroundings—What is the environment like around the setting? Stormy weather and dark forests are examples of eerie surrouondings. Supernatural elements—Does your story include supernatural creatures or the unexplained? Ghosts, for example, are a common supernatural feature in gothic literature. Drama—How do characters experience drama? Common dramatic events in gothic literature include murder, tragic illnesses, and sudden disappearances.
