Topic > Edgar Allan Poe's description of the theme of revenge as depicted in his book, The Cask of Amontillado

Is revenge ever justified? Humanity believes in the need for revenge to take justice into its own hands. The idea of ​​revenge has been present in numerous novels, television programs, as well as films and films. For example in the film Taken, the theme of revenge is clearly shown when a retired government agent, Bryan, has his daughter kidnapped during a trip to France and wants to destroy all the people involved in the disappearance, promising himself to take revenge for what they did to his daughter. Essentially, in "The Cask of Amontillado", Poe introduces the reader to Montressor, a selfish maniac, whose desire for revenge leads him to imprison and kill Fortunato, the man who supposedly insults Montressor, although it is unknown to what extent . Poe uses peculiar word choice, sophisticated verbal irony, and the theme of revenge to convey a disturbing and melodramatic atmosphere that becomes one of the main elements of "The Cask of Amontillado". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Helping set the mood, Poe uses dramatic and verbal irony to extend the suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere throughout the story. For example, when Montressor and Fortunato meet and want to try some Amontillado, he refers to Fortunato by saying, “My friend, no. It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I see you are afflicted. (375)” Evidently the author shows verbal irony because, evidently, Montressor does not care about Fortunato's health, yet he refers to him as “friend”. The use of dramatic irony is implemented at the end of the story, Fortunato says to Montressor, “Won't they wait for us [Lady Fortunato and the others] at the palace? Let's go", (379) and Montressor agrees with him saying: "Yes...let's go".(379)" Clearly they both say the same sentence, however the meaning is different. Fortunato wants to return home, with his wife, while Montressor wants him to leave forever. Furthermore, the use of dramatic irony is present when Montressor says to himself that “I [keep]… smiling in his face, and he didn't notice that my smile was now at the thought of his immolation. (372)” Fortunato evidently did not expect anything sinister from his trusted friend. Furthermore, the hint that Montressor gives to the readers with his smile of immolation makes the reader know that something nefarious is about to happen to Fortunato. Certainly, the use of irony helps shape the atmosphere of the whole story, as does the congenial and intricate use of word choice. The use of word choice is clearly seen in "The Cask of Amontillado", to create a suspenseful atmosphere and have an unpredictable feel to the story. Poe carefully chooses words that convey a strong sense of place to the reader and help create tension. For example, although a carnival setting is expected to be joyful and exuberant, Poe saddens the tone of the setting by telling the reader that, “It was about sunset, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season (372). " The setting has been significantly changed, due to the unique use of word choice, which is enough to give the story a completely different twist. As a result, the repetition of words increases the tension of the story. Another great example of choice of the words can be perceived when they are at the catacombs and Poe says: «A succession of loud and shrill cries, [bursting] suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to throw me violently back.(379) The choice of words applied in the steps.