Themes

The main themes of the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe are revenge and betrayal, and folly and madness. The theme of folly is enhanced through the motif of drinking while the theme of betrayal and vengeance is aided by the motif of pride.

Revenge and betrayal

Exploring this theme in the short story becomes possible through the motif of pride. Both characters are proud – Montresor of his name, Fortunato of his wine knowledge. Their pride leads them in the story.

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Folly and madness

The story revolves around two unreliable characters: the narrator, who is representative of madness, and Fortunato, who represents folly.

The narrator feels so persecuted by Fortunato’s mockery that he becomes obsessed with paying the man back and ends up coming up with a psychopathic plan to kill him. What is more, he carries his plan through without any visible remorse. His insanity is not obvious from the start, but it is hinted at throughout the text.

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