The Cask of Amontillado - Critical Response

    Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” uses descriptive language to allow the reader to immerse themselves into the dark and threatening mood of the story. Instead of giving us background information in the introduction, he allows for the setting of the story to leave the reader to develop a sense of dread as the plot continues. Employing dark and cryptic symbolism, Poe uses the setting to show the seriousness of Montresor’s sinister plan and Fortunato’s situation.

    Poe describes the catacombs & crypts using words that suggest decay and rot, adding to the atmosphere he wants to create. In the story, he uses words such as “foul air,” “damp ground,” and walls that are lined with ‘human remains,” spiraling the reader into a deeper sense of dread. Describing the narrow tunnels and labyrinthine passages makes it clear to the reader that there was no escape for Fortunato. These details make it clear the setting plays a role in his downfall.

   In conclusion, the setting plays a part in the feelings the reader develops as the story unfolds. The gloomy descriptive language Poe uses mirrors Montresor’s sinister plan and Fortunato’s unfortunate end. The dark setting makes it clear Fortunato was never meant to leave the catacombs with Montresor.