How Does Fortunato Symbolize In The Cask Of Amontillado
Kate Golding
Dr. McWilliams
ENGL 110 #3
1st March 2013
Fueling Revenge
Edgar Allen Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado” is a complex story that follows the relationship between the two characters that ultimately ends with the murder of Fortunato. Poe uses imagery and the setting of the story to surprise the reader with the gruesome ending, however further analysis of the symbols in the story makes it evident the conclusion was inevitable. Poe’s use of symbolism highlights the revenge individuals will seek when they feel like they have been betrayed.
The Amontillado is a key symbol in this short story as it is the means to the manipulation and the way Montresor exacts his revenge. The narrator, Montresor, feels he has been betrayed …show more content…
The setting also allows for Fortunato to be dressed in “tight fitting parti striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells”(158). The cap is referenced throughout the story and is a symbol to the audience of the narrator’s perspective of this character. The bells jingling remind the audience of a jester or a fool showing Montresor’s feelings towards Fortunato. The carnival also gives reason for Fortunato to wear a mask. The mask gives Fortunato the ability to hide his true identity because he is introduced as a merry drunk man when he has previously severely wronged Montresor. The silk material of the mask is a symbol of his wealth and the color black is associated with evil and darkness. The setting of the carnival can also be a symbol for madness, the overwhelming costumes and festivities may be a hint for the disarray of Montresor’s mind as he seeks his revenge. The lack of reasoning Montresor supplies the audience as to why he was betrayed supports his madness
Dr. McWilliams
ENGL 110 #3
1st March 2013
Fueling Revenge
Edgar Allen Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado” is a complex story that follows the relationship between the two characters that ultimately ends with the murder of Fortunato. Poe uses imagery and the setting of the story to surprise the reader with the gruesome ending, however further analysis of the symbols in the story makes it evident the conclusion was inevitable. Poe’s use of symbolism highlights the revenge individuals will seek when they feel like they have been betrayed.
The Amontillado is a key symbol in this short story as it is the means to the manipulation and the way Montresor exacts his revenge. The narrator, Montresor, feels he has been betrayed …show more content…
The setting also allows for Fortunato to be dressed in “tight fitting parti striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells”(158). The cap is referenced throughout the story and is a symbol to the audience of the narrator’s perspective of this character. The bells jingling remind the audience of a jester or a fool showing Montresor’s feelings towards Fortunato. The carnival also gives reason for Fortunato to wear a mask. The mask gives Fortunato the ability to hide his true identity because he is introduced as a merry drunk man when he has previously severely wronged Montresor. The silk material of the mask is a symbol of his wealth and the color black is associated with evil and darkness. The setting of the carnival can also be a symbol for madness, the overwhelming costumes and festivities may be a hint for the disarray of Montresor’s mind as he seeks his revenge. The lack of reasoning Montresor supplies the audience as to why he was betrayed supports his madness