The Cask of Amontillado

Edgar Allen Poe uses three kinds of irony in his classic short story horror, The Cask of Amontillado: dramatic, verbal, and irony of situation. The use of irony in this story provides humor and wit, and makes the piece more complex and enjoyable.

Dramatic irony occurs when the reader becomes aware of what will eventually happen to Fortunato even though he continues into the catacombs in pursuit of the Amontillado. The names of the two main characters in the story are ironic in that they are suggestive of victory and good fortune: Fortunato's name suggests "fortune", while Montresor's suggests "surmounting" or “prevailing”. The name Fortunato clearly implies that this is a man of good fortune, when the actual case is that he is about to meet the end of his life. The way Montresor treats Fortunato is another example. When the characters meet, Montresor realizes that Fortunato is afflicted with a severe cold, but makes a point of him looking “remarkably well”. Montresor acts very natural and friendly towards Fortunato, and even recognizes his “friend’s” expert knowledge in the subject of wines. Also when they meet, Montresor begins to psychologically manipulate Fortunato. He claims that he needs his knowledge to determine if the wine he has purchased is in fact Amontillado. Montresor also realizes that Fortunato is engaged in another business, the celebration of Carnival, so he would go to Luchesi, who is obviously a rival of Fortunato’s, playing against his pride and ego. Montresor knows the stubborn nature of Fortunato, and is sure his pride would not allow him to turn back. He is so sure that he gives Fortunato many opportunities to go back. However, Fortunato continues his journey towards death by his own will.

Numerous examples of verbal irony within Montresor's words are found throughout the story. He says just the opposite of what he means. Montresor expresses concern of Fortunato's health, knowing the end result. Montresor's comment, "And I [drink a toast] to your long life" is ironic. Since Montresor reveals his plan in the beginning of the story, the irony of his drinking a toast to Fortunato's long life is evident. Fortunato had insulted his family, and Montresor could not let it go without punishment. He had carefully premeditated Fortunato’s murder. When Fortunato says, "I will not die of a cough." Montresor says, "True--true....", knowing then what Fortunato will die of. Another example can be seen when Montresor says that he is a mason, but not the type Fortunato thinks. Fortunato thinks he means he is of a fellow member of a society