but means another. Montressor expresses concern about Fortunato’s health, and several times suggest that they should turn back for fear that his cough will worsen as a result of the cold dampness of the catacombs. In reply Fortunato says, “the cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough.” He did not know how accurate he was, however Montressor did. Another example is when Fortunato drinks a toast to the people buried in Montressor’s catacombs, “I drink to the buried that repose around us,” not knowing he soon would join them.The sinful deceit in “The Cask of Amontillado” is linked to Poe’s use of irony, descriptive detail, and character traits. The short story successfully creates an emotion of sin and deceit. Through his writing techniques we get a vivid idea of his deception and darkness. The damp catacombs of “The Cask of Amontillado” complement the dark doings, but the setting gives closure to the total effect in a subtle fashion. Although, a short story, Poe creates a nightmare that is almost guaranteed to give his readers a sleepless night. As the “cask” of Amontillado draws Fortunato into the “casket”, we get a feeling of our own fear. ...
