Betrayal In The Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allan Poe

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In the world today, it is surprisingly likely that anyone’s arch rival or enemy may be their best friend. From earlier times to now, this has been used as a great turning point in many stories and films. For what better way to set up a man vs man plot in a story when the two are known for their friendly bond? This just so happens to play a huge role in the story, “The Cask of Amontillado.” In the story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” Edgar Allan Poe uses symbol, irony and foreshadowing to portray the theme of betrayal. A strong device in the story is the symbolism used to help portray the betrayal. “A huge rampant foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel” (Poe 327). Here where Montresor describes his family crest, we can sense symbolism. It is possible Montresor is the foot crushing the serpent, or as the foot would be seen as Fortunato. Therefore, the family crest symbolized the upcoming betrayal of their friendship. “’You do not comprehend?’ ‘Not I’ I replied, ‘Then you are not of the brotherhood’” (Poe 328). Here Fortunato questions Montresor as whether or not…show more content…
“Let us go never the less, the cold is merely nothing. Amontillado! You have been imposed upon, and as for Luchresi, he cannot distinguish Sherry from Amontillado” (Poe 326). With such high intentions on reaching this Amontillado, Fortunato does not see the danger at hand. This simple cold just so happens to foreshadow what will ultimately take his life. “… we will go back, your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was” (Poe 327). With intentions for the worst, Montresor sets himself up in foreshadowing the betrayal ahead. With the antagonist, Fortunato, thinking he is merely under a cold and the protagonist, Montresor, acting as though he is trying to keep Fortunato safe, ultimately foreshadows the betrayal lead by

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