Edgar Allan Poe's use of symbolism and irony throughout The Cask of Amontillado makes the tale worthy of analysis . Poe uses these devices to create this cruel and powerful classic. The Cask of Amontillado is a horror story that revolves around revenge and pride. There are two men in the plot: Montresor, an Italian aristocrat seeking revenge, and Fortunato, a proud man who boasts of his expertise in wine and who walks towards his death. The definition of irony is that words or events present a different reality than intended. The use of this device in the story adds humor and intelligence making the piece more refined. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Poe's continued use of irony is seen in Montresor's style, tone, and exaggeration. We note that irony appears in the story from the very beginning. The name Fortunato would make you think of a man of good fortune, but the reality is that he is about to face the end of his journey. The setting also has an ironic element. The characters meet at the Venice Carnival. Carnival should be a time of celebration. However, in the story, it is the time of revenge and death. The atmosphere changes when the two characters leave the carnival fun for the musky catacombs beneath Montresor's palace. Montresor says that when he first meets Fortunato, he was drinking and dressed like a jester. Fortunato's costume might make you think that he will be the one to play the fool. Montresor, on the other hand, wears a black cloak and has his face covered by a black mask. The black mask and robe could symbolize Death or the devil. This may foreshadow the events that will take place later in the catacombs. There is a clear presence of irony once the two descend into the catacombs. Montresor realizes that Fortunato has a bad cold when they meet, but points out that he looks good. Montresor behaves naturally and friendly towards Fortunato and also compliments his knowledge of wine. Montresor begins manipulating Fortunato as soon as they meet. Montresor says he needs Fortunato's help to find out if the wine he purchased was Amontillado. Montresor then says that he will go to Luchresi as Fortunato is busy celebrating the carnival. Fortunato's pride forces him to go with Montresor to the crypts, where the Amontillado is kept, to prove that he is superior to Luchresi. During their adventure in the catacombs, Montresor even gives Fortunato the chance to go back as Fortunato feels ill and the crypt is dirty. The narrator (Montresor) seems to know that Fortunato is stubborn and is sure that Fortunato's pride would not fail him. Fortunato then continues his journey to death of his own free will. «The vaults are unbearably humid. They're encrusted with a ticket." "Let's go anyway. Cold is simply nothing. Amontillado!”. This is a memorable phrase in Montresor's tale. Fortunato responds by saying: “I will not die of coughing”. Montresor then says, “True – true.” Furthermore, the deceptive narrator toasts Fortunato's long life knowing the plan he had to take his life. Further evidence of ironic elements is found with Montresor as a bricklayer. We assume this means he is a member of a group of men, but he is a stonemason whose job is to prepare and use stone for construction. Montresor uses his bricklaying skills to build the wall that will trap Fortunato inside the niche. While Fortunato is trapped behind the wall, Montresor copies and screams more, 59(1), 17-20.