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Figurative Language In The Cask Of Amontillado

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Figurative Language In The Cask Of Amontillado
NyAsia Skeete
Poe Essay: 12:56 pm- 1:39pm
Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado is centered on one man’s incessant need for revenge and the extensive lengths he took to partake in it. It was not revealed in the short story the reason behind the need for revenge, but the figurative language used such as imagery, characterization, and point of view show how the author directs his tone and attitude towards revenge throughout the story.
This short story was written in the first person narrative. The reason behind this is so that the reader can get a sense of how the narrator is feeling and thinking in the process of his revenge scheme. For example, “THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed
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Montresor seems to be vindictive and conniving regardless of the wrong that was committed on Fortunato’s part. He clearly enjoys the scheme he has concocted to get back at Fortunato, it almost seems like Montresor is getting pleasure from the heinous punishment he has inflicted on Fortunato. For example, Montresor says, “I continued as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile NOW was at the thought of his immolation.” He does not seem to be angry over this matter but rather crazy with the need to carry out his revenge, so much so that he even finds it funny that Fortunato has no idea of what is to come. Another example of how Montresor’s character refers back to his need for revenge is the way that he lured Fortunato into his trap. He basically taunted Fortunato by saying that he will take his wine to Luchesi to taste because he knew that Fortunato would not be able to pass that up. Montresor has gone to extensive lengths to punish Fortunato when all he really had to do was insult him back or embarrass him. The author’s characterization of Montresor show his true colors, it tells how deep down he is the type to seek an outrageous and overall deadly revenge because he is a vindictive

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