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“Gothic”, as defined by
Dictionary.com, represents “noting or pertaining to a style of
literature characterized by a gloomy setting, grotesque, mysterious, or
violent events, and an atmosphere of degeneration and decay”. In “The
Cask of Amontillado”, Edgar Allan Poe uses gothic methods, which include
macabre, suspense and mystery, and psychology, to depict the dark
feeling in the characters, setting, plot, and theme. Montresor, the
possessed protagonist, presents himself as a conniving individual who
seeks revenge and the immolation of Fortunado. In turn, Fortunado, the
antagonist who has injured Montresor in limitless ways, unites with his
supposed acquaintance Montresor in the catacombs to find the cask of
Amontillado, unaware that he is walking into a trap that will bring him
to his death. As the pair progress through the catacombs, they observe
the extensive niter and cobwebs that drape the walls and the decayed
bodies that surround them. When they reach the end, Montresor evolves
from Fortunado’s friend to his murderer. Montresor leaves with Fortunado
dead, chained, and buried behind a wall that he builds to hide the
evidence of the kill. Edgar Allan Poe distributes an ensemble of gothic
techniques, including the use of mystery and suspense, macabre, and
psychology to portray the power of revenge. |
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More about Irony
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One method of gothic literature that Poe validates to improve the
revenge theme is the use of mystery and suspense. As Montresor and
Fortunado walk through the dreary catacombs, they notice that the “walls
had been lined with human remains, piled to the vault overhead…”(Poe).
Through this vivid description, Poe wishes to reel the reader in so that
they find themselves at the edge of their seat, waiting for the moment
when Montresor seeks his payback. In addition, the description
foreshadows frightening events and sets an eerie mood like music in a
horror movie. After Fortunado toasts to the dead that surround both of
the men, Montresor answers with “And you to your long life” (Poe). This
utilization of dramatic irony highlights Fortunado’s ignorance to
Montresor’s plan. It must bring pleasure to Montresor’s mind to know
that Fortunado will not live long, and he will finally repay all his
deeds. Edgar Allan Poe uses this factor to create an active feeling for
the reader, like, for example, the yelling and criticizing of fathers
watching football games. The gothic mystery and suspense expressed in
the story add to the supremacy of revenge in Poe’s literature.
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Other Works By:
Poe
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MS. Found in a Bottle
The Raven
The Balloon-Hoax
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Edgar Allen Poe
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In addition to the use of mystery and suspense, Poe uses macabre
ideas in his writing to advance the vengeance theme in “The Cask of
Amontillado.” When Montresor declares, “I must not only punish, but
punish with impunity,” he shows that the revenge-seeking side of himself
takes him over (Poe). He hopes that he will initiate his plan to work
flawlessly, so that nobody will ever know what happens to Fortunado.
This statement exposes the grotesque side of Montresor that replaces his
previous individuality. Montresor reveals a black persona through his
appearance: “Putting a mask of black silk and drawing a roquelaure
closely about my person, I suffered him to hurry me to my palazzo.”
(Poe). This gruesome costume clashes with the brightly colored jester
outfit that Fortunado wears, offering the idea that Fortunado is the
fool that falls for Montresor’s trick. Montresor’s morbid and chilling
outfit represents the dark and intimidating personality that skulks
within him, letting readers identify that Montresor is the type of
person who can and will take reprisal. The uses of macabre throughout
the story help accentuate gothic tone of dominant revenge that Poe
distributes. |
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The usage of psychology throughout the story also plays a role in
the gothic story’s retribution topic. When Montresor advises, “…you are
a man to be missed…We will go back; you will be ill and I cannot be
responsible,” he discreetly foreshadows what is to come for Fortunado
(Poe). By hinting his scheme, the narrator fools Fortunado’s mind in a
vague, yet spooky way. This style of flattery is expressed in today’s
world when someone wants to convince someone into doing something. When
Montresor comments, “As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If
anyone has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me--…” Fortunado
objects and becomes incredibly intrigued in getting to the cask (Poe).
Montresor demonstrates this form of reverse psychology to encourage
Fortunado to continue venturing through the sickening catacombs despite
the fact that he was already ill. Thus, Fortunado is helping to spin the
web that Montresor hopes to incarcerate him in. The reverse psychology
Montresor displays aids the gothic technique of the story.
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More about Writing
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Edgar Allan Poe distributes an ensemble of gothic techniques,
including the use of mystery and suspense, macabre, and psychology to
portray the power of revenge. By using these techniques, the author
imitates moods of horror and fright within the reader, and highlights
the powerful revenge shown throughout the story. These gothic methods
help to describe revenge in the setting, plot, and characters. Because
Edgar Allan Poe has a balance of representation of all aspects of
gothic
literature, this short story receives great reviews from many audiences.
Altogether, the narrative is capturing, interesting, and extremely
unique. Poe’s story, “The Cask of Amontillado” contains gothic
characteristics that create the perfect essence, tone, and feeling to
emphasize hateful revenge.
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Sources |
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Written by Kailani for HBHS 10/15/2008
Book: The Cask of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe
Graphics:
Trade Federation Creative Team (Poe Word Pic) |
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