Essay about The Wrong That Was Made Right

Submitted By Mpalmer00
Words: 626
Pages: 3

The Wrong That Was Made Right The "Cask of Amontillado," by Edgar Allen Poe, is a story of revenge organized by the character Montresor against Fortunato. In the story, Poe uses the method of foreshadowing to build suspense throughout the story.

The story opens with a very intoxicated Fortunate at a Masquerade carnival. Fortunato is a rich courtier who thinks himself a connoisseur of fine wine and liquor but, in actuality, he's essentially a drunkard. Montresor knows this and uses the fact in order to take advantage of him. Montresor lures Fortunato into his crypt under the pretense that Fortunato would be allowed to taste Amontillado, a medium dry Spanish sherry, when in actuality Montresor is leading him to his death.

The first use of foreshadowing is on the journey to the pipe of Amontillado. As they make their way, Fortunato suddenly develops a cough. Montresor continuously offers to turn around and go back, but Fortunato insists that they continue and says, "I shall not die of a cough," to which Montresor replies, "True---true." By saying this, Montresor inadvertently admits that he knows how Fortunato will die, showing that he intends to kill him. This is used by the author to build up the suspense and allow readers to understand that Montresor had planned to kill Fortunato before they event stepped foot into the crypt.

The second use of foreshadowing is the description of Montresor's coat of arms. It is described as "a huge human food d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel." This is a foreshadowing of Montresor's revenge on Fortunato. The foot represents Montresor and the "insult" he suffered from the "snake," which represents Fortunato. The foot preparing to crush the serpent foreshadows the scheme that Montresor has set into motion to kill Fortunato. This is used to build suspense by allowing the readers a brief glimpse into Montresor's mind to realize his plan.

Another method of foreshadowing used in the story is that of the motto of the Montresor family, which states, "Nemo me impune lacessit" or "no one attacks me with impunity." This is used to tell the reader that Montresor tends to hold grudges and will not relent until he gets his revenge on Fortunato. By telling Fortunate of his family motto, Montresor is practically telling him that he plans to end his life. The author uses this to additionally build