Sunday, September 9, 2012
RR3 - Setting the Irony
The setting Poe uses in "The Cask of Amontillado" is very dark and sinister. Most of the story is set in a catacomb which progressively gets smaller which creates uneasiness and ultimately creates a very dark setting. Throughout the story the catacombs are described in a manner that pretty much foreshadows that the story will probably not have a happy ending. The catacombs Montressor and Fortunado are walking into are described as damp which makes sure that the location is definitely not a comfortable setting. From the beginning we know Montressor is essentially out for revenge against Fortunado. He is out for revenge for "the thousand injuries" Fortunado has done to him. It is unclear exactly for what but we know he had done something to greatly upset Montressor. Poe utilizes the use of irony pretty well, for example Fortunado starts coughing more and more and Montressor suggest they should go back because he would not want to be responsible for any illness; Fortunado then says " the cough is mere nothing, it will not kill me i shall not die of a cough". Therefore Montressor presents a drink and Fortunado says " I drink to the buried that repose around us" and cleverly Montressor responds " and I to your long life". This simple gesture is actually the most ironic and dark humorous events in the whole story. Considering how the story ends this simple toast is what showcases and brings together the dark setting and irony to the story. Altogether the use of setting and irony helps the reader decipher the overall darkness of the story.
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I agree Joseph, the setting is just dark, and eerie. Like you know that whatever is going to happen isn't going to be good. Also there is a lot of irony as well. Not only the fact about the toast, but did you get that Fortunato's name actually means Fortunate or Lucky. That was one of that most ironic things in this story for me because obviously he wasn't very fortunate. Poe does use a great mixture of irony and setting though to make the story eerie and gives also helps make it suspenseful
ReplyDeleteHey Joseph, great job on the response to this story. I see that you chose to discuss both setting and irony which you did a fine job on. I do think setting should have been discussed a bit more but the catacombs generally do represent most of the stories settings. I'd also like to point out that I think Fortunato's outfit, which has many bells and jingles, makes him appear as if he is a fool. At the top of page 528, when luchesi is mentioned again, Fortunato says, "He is an ignoramus". It is ironic that he say such a thing since not only is he dressed as a fool, but he is just moments away from being entrapped. This irony in-fact shows the reader that Fortunato is the ignoramus.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog Joseph!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, this work reads like a "robinhood tale", At length I would be avenged" (p. 526). I disagree, the short story, does not foreshadow a "dark" ending. The work, possibly set in early 19th century Italy, implies a sense of virtuous spirit and brotherhood amongst fellowman. The author, utilizing verbal ques, such as "virtuoso", meaning skill and manliness. The author utilizes the "dusk" sky to represent challenge; between masculinity and sexuality. "undressed" (p.525)