Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado

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The stories I’ve chosen to analyze are After Twenty Years by O. Henry, and The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe. The point of view in After Twenty Years creates an effective narrative by making the characters mysterious. The third person point of view means that the reader cannot know what the character’s thoughts are, making the story less personal. Also, because the story is told from an impersonal perspective, it makes the climax of the story that much more shocking. This is shown by the fact that Jimmy is referred to as “the policeman” throughout the story, even though he is the man that “Silky” Bob is planning to meet. By referring to Jimmy impersonally, it surprises the readers to find out that the policeman is in fact, Jimmy. The…show more content…
Verbal irony is created when Montresor says Fortunato should turn back due to his worsening cough, and Fortunato responds, “I shall not die of a cough.” Montresor’s response of, “True – true,” serves as verbal irony because Montresor actually plans to kill Fortunato himself. He knows that Fortunato won’t die of a cough because he will die by Montresor’s hand. It is also ironic that Fortunato is led to his death by a former friend. Again, this irony makes the climax of the story more impactful. This exchange also serves as foreshadowing, which creates an effective narrative by building anticipation for the climax. Fortunato indeed does not die of a cough. Instead, Montresor murders him. The reader is warned of this outcome, though subtly, in the aforementioned exchange. The reader is also warned through the mention of revenge and the tone of anger that Montresor takes in the exposition. The foreshadowing creates tension and suspicion in the reader. The suspense of the plot creates an effective narrative by creating tension as well. When Montresor speaks of vengeance in the exposition, it makes the reader wonder what actions Montresor will take against Fortunato. As the plot progresses, the reader wonders if and when Montresor will try to exact vengeance. It draws the reader in and keeps the reader emotionally engaged. The point of view in the story creates an effective narrative by making the story more personal. By telling the story in the first person point of view, from Montresor’s perspective, it gives the reader insight into Montresor’s thoughts. This makes the story more impactful by displaying the reasoning and motivations behind Montresor’s actions throughout the plot. It also creates a deeper connection between the reader and the
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