Midterm Examination in

World Literature

Name: Cj P. Reyes_______ Time & Schedule: TTHS- 5:30-6:30 pm_ EDP Code: __09305__

RETALIATION
(The Cask of Amontillado / Edgar Allan Poe)

A Biographical Criticism

Edgar Allan Poe's life was marked by both personal and external disasters that surely influenced
his writing. Poe is best renowned for his dark tales of horror, psychological torment, and madness. Being
extroverted, Edgar prefers interacting with people than managing processes. Edgar typically exhibits
creative, sensitive, and outspoken traits as a Type Four. In general, Edgar likes to stand out and looks for
a distinctive personality. Edgar typically exhibits quiet, idealistic, and flexible traits as an INFP. Poe's
early traumas and hardships, along with the influence of Romantic literature, led to the development of
a distinctive brand of Gothic writing. Unlike any other American novelist of his era, he communicated to
readers in a way that was distinct with his horrific imagery and cadence-filled words.
The main character of the novel exacts lethal retribution on a friend who he believes wronged
him. This short story has a storyline structure that suggests it was produced using a biographical
technique. The author's biography may have had an impact on the story, which is what biographical
strategy is concerned with. The character's love of booze, his failings in life, and the calamities Poe had
experienced all had many similarities to Poe's own personal experiences.
The Title “The Cask of Amontillado” makes extensive use of both symbolism, the use of symbols to
depict an idea, event, or character, and imagery, the use of language to evoke images or pictures in the
reader's mind. Some elements of "The Cask of Amontillado" are symbolic, including the story's
characters, setting, and some of the imagery. The majority of "The Cask of Amontillado's" symbolism
foreshadows plot developments and adds irony to the story.
“ The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon
insult, I vowed revenge.” This line opens the story and establishes the character of Montresor, the
narrator. It sketches a vague but intriguing potential backstory: it is conceivable (however unlikely) that
Fortunato actually injured Montresor numerous times, but the author doesn't specify what Fortunato
did. It also establishes the role of pride in the story: a thousand injuries hurt Montresor less than one
insult. The promise of retaliation predicts how the story will end, and the overall tone cautions readers
not to put their faith in Montresor.
"The Cask of Amontillado" is told from the first-person point-of-view of Montresor, who, citing
past injustices, seeks to wreak revenge on his "friend" Fortunato. The story takes place in Italy during
carnival season. The two men meet on the streets during the festivities, and Montresor entices
Fortunato back to his house by promising to taste and confirm the provenance of a priceless
Amontillado sherry. Fortunato is taken deep into the catacombs beneath the Montresor residence by
Montresor using flattery and deception. There, Fortunato is finally restrained and walled inside a room
among the tombs, completing Montresor's retaliation.

In conclusion Poe depicts the darkest human emotions in Cask of Amontillado. In the story,
Montresor claims Fortunado did hurt him and is determined to have his revenge. MOntresor, manages
to get away with killing Fortunado to satisfy his pride as well as show that he is the one on top. In "The
Cask of Amontillado," wine is a symbol that stands in for foolishness, like many other things in the
narrative. Due to his inebriation, Fortunato followed Montresor into the catacombs without second
thought. Ultimately, he became too wasted to resist being entombed.