The Mode Of Revenge

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The Mode of Revenge "The Cask of Amontillado," by Edgar Allen Poe, is a suspenseful short story, which revolves around the theme of revenge. The plot involves two men: Montressor, the narrator, who is an Italian nobleman seeking revenge against the second main character, Fortunato. Fortunato is a proud man who falls prey to Montressor's plans because he is so proud of his connoisseurship of wine. And it is due to his pride that Montressor takes revenge on him. Poe incorporates the many literary techniques of foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism, to help present his theme of revenge.

Poe uses foreshadowing in the most peculiar way. For example, first, when Fortunato says, "I shall not die of a cough"(1569), Montressor replies, "True-true"(1569). " I must not only punish but punish with impunity" (1567), as Montressor put it, and that he did do. Montressor knows that Fortunato will enjoy his vengeful scheme that consists of dehydration and starvation Poe (1569).

Fortunato is a proud man he does not think that his death will not be due to something as simple as a cold. Instead, he believes that his life will end only in doing a courageous act. Montressor can only laugh at this thought because he knows Fortunato's death will be far from noble, and his pride will soon be shattered as he is trapped in Montressor's trap.

Poe uses another instance of foreshadowing in the trowel scene. In one particular instance, Fortunato makes a movement that is a secret sign of the Masons, a brotherhood like organization. Montressor does not comprehend this hand signal, but claims he is a "Mason". When Fortunato asks for proof, Montressor shows him his trowel. The significance of this is that Montressor is a stonemason, and he will be building things out of...