The Cask of Amontillado

Analysis of "The Cask of Amontillado"

The usage of literary devices in the writings of Edgar Allan Poe are quite prevalent. In Poe's short story "The Cask of Amontillado" he continues his notorious dark, chilling, and murderous tone, with that he deploys several literary devices such as symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing to convey them. One of the more intriguing devices used in this short story is symbolism, two strong illustrations are the Montresor family motto and their family shield. Both of these compelling examples symbolize the fate of Fortunato coming to an end by the hands of Montresor.

The short story begins with Montresor claiming "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge" (Poe). This allowed the author to communicate that Montresor is displeased with Fortunato for insulting him. Shortly after Montresor convinces Fortunato to walk with him in order to examine a bottle of wine he recently purchased. While walking deep into the catacombs Montresor shares his family motto with Fortunato which states "Nemo me impune lacessit" (Poe) meaning, "no one attacks me with impunity". With recollection of Montresor vowing he had been insulted by Fortunato the reader now distinguishes the Montresor family motto as a symbol of Montresor's plan considering it claims anyone who does harm to a Montresor will not go unpunished.

Another imperative symbol in the story is the family coat of arms. The coat of arms is the Montresor family emblem which goes hand in hand with their motto. While in the catacombs Fortunato ask Montresor what his arms were,