THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO

Edgar Allan Poe

EDGAR ALLAN POE

 Born on January 19, 1809,

in Boston Massachusetts
American writer, editor and
literary critic.
Considered as the inventor
of the detective fiction
genre.
 The first well-known American
writer tried to earn a living
through writing alone.

He is best known for his poetry

and short stories, particularly
his tales of mystery and the
macabre.
Best known for his fiction works are GOTHIC.

He was the first American writer to believe in “art for art’s sake”. His
writings show no interest in national affairs, democracy, politics or
social reform.
BACKGROUND OF THE TIME IT WAS WRITTEN

 American Renaissance, also called New England

Renaissance, period from the 1830s roughly until the end
of the American Civil War.
 American Renaissance is the "Romantic Period in American
Literature."
The Victorian Time Period is known for its hierarchy based
social order.
The Victorian Era Literature is distinguished by a strong sense of
morality and is frequently associated with subjugation.

In the 19th century, a novel was the most popular type of English
literature. This century not only saw changes in the English
Literature but also in pieces of literature of countries like France,
United States, and Russia.
 PLOT

Exposition: Montresor, the narrator, feels that Fortunato has insulted

him. He vows to take revenge. When they meet on the streets during
carnival, Montresor manipulates Fortunato into coming to his home to
taste a rather good cask of Amontillado.
 PLOT

Complication/Rising Action: Montresor leads Fortunato deep into his

vaults, which are lined with human remains. Along the way, he gives
him several drinks, which makes Fortunato slightly intoxicated.
Montresor produces a trowel, claiming they are brother masons.
Climax: Fortunato is chained within the crypt while Montresor begins
to close the aperture in the wall. Montresor is momentarily unnerved
by Fortunato's screams.

Denouement/Falling Action: Fortunato desperately tries to convince

himself and Montresor that this was all a good joke they will laugh
about later. Montresor continues and soon Fortunato is silent. His
failure to respond to Montresor's closing the hole calls tell the reader
he is officially dead.
Resolution: Montresor places the last stone in its nook and tells
the reader that it is 50 years later and no one has found the
remains yet.

THEME

Revenge and betrayal

Folly and madness
 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STORY

It reminds us that pure evil still lurks at the minds of men.

CARNIVAL
Family vaults
crypt
Closing the hole
 “In pace
requiescat!”

remains