What is the use od imagery and symbolism in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cast of Amontillado"?

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Answers

a. Fortunato – Spelling derivative of the word “fortunate,” used for a man that is about to die. b. Fortunato is lured to his death because of foolish pride, hence the motley (fool) costume. c. “Luchesi cannot tell Amontillado from Sherry.” Amontillado is a type of sherry. d. The story takes place during “Carnaval.” The irony here lies in this celebration occurring before a religious period of atonement for sin. e. “[T]he cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me.” strikes irony in its correctness. His reply is “True – true.” for it is Montresor that will kill him. f. The coat of arms pictures a snake (Montresor) biting the foot (Fortunato) that treads upon it. The motto “No one attacks me with impunity.” These combine as both ironic and foreshadowing. g. The catacombs of Paris are referenced (where burial vaults were interspersed) along with the use of terms like crypt and vault to describe the wine cellar. h. Montresor feigns care for Fortunato’s well being. Additionally, he attempts to thwart his own scheme by asking Fortunato if he wants to continue. h. Fortunato states, “You are not of the masons.” referring to the Fraternal Order. To this Montresor replies, “Yes . . . a mason.” referring to the skill he possesses in the art of stone masonry wall construction. i. Fortunato, just before his death, refers to another man as an ignoramus. j. This story was about Poe’s financially fortunate/Fortunato caregiver, David Allen, who took him at a young age. He was a successful businessman and his ventures were always lucrative/Luchesi. Poe was left to fend for himself after his uncle cut off finances. This story is actually an assault upon the David Allen and his ignorance

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002