In The Cask of Amontillado Edgar Allen Poe uses symbolism, humor, and Essay

In The Cask of Amontillado Edgar Allen Poe uses symbolism, humor, and irony to develop his theme of how Fortunato's foolishness costed him his life - Essay Example Though originally used as a mere instrument by which the story could take off, it takes on a life of its own as it symbolizes the perceived wealth and success in life of its owner. It is a symbol that Fortunato refuses to believes exists but then with his curiosity getting the better of him, he embarks down a path which symbolized his ultimate doom. A more important perhaps to the story is the way that Fortunato is dressed as a court jester during the carnival. As everyone knows, a court jester is someone who is the life of the court. He makes people laugh by making fun of other people. This costume symbolizes the very personality of Fortunato, which is the happy-go-lucky type of person who unfortunately, tends to say or do things that he may not realize slights those around him as what happened unknowingly between him and Montresor. The story also makes good use of humor in the statement â€Å"Luchresi doesnt know Amontillado from a Sherry". It would seem that as far as the social circle that Fortunato and Montresor move in, Luchresi fancies himself a wine conneseiur although his actions betray him as a pretender. Hence the laughter and comedic intonation in the dialogue between the friends. However funny the statement is though, it is still considered by Montresor to be an additional slight upon his person since he believes Luchresi to be a man knowledgable about wines and sherrys. Finally, we come to an analysis of the names and settings used by Poe in the story. I would like to begin with the discussion regarding his choice of the name Fortunato for his doomed character. It is truly ironic that the name Fortunato actually means a man blessed with good fortune in life. Fortunato met the exact opposite during his lifetime. Fortunato has only the worst of luck as he died a horrifying and secret death at the hands of the man he considered a trustworthy friend, Montresor. Then we have the irony of the two settings used for the story, the carnival masquerade