The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allen Poe Overview

In this story, the protagonist has grown tired of the insults from his acquaintance Fortunato and seeks revenge. While appearing to be on good terms, the main character intrigues Fortunato with a “pipe” of Amontillado (wine); luring him into the catacombs where he is chained-up, sealed in a niche, and left for dead.

The most important element of this story is the point of view. The author allows the protagonist to narrate the story from a first and third-person (dramatic) point of view; offering distinct details about the plot, character, and setting. The point of view from the character dramatizes the heinous actions of the protagonist and encourages readers to see the crime from the characters perspective.

In the beginning of the story, the main character alludes to the plot in first-person while expressing his beliefs toward retribution. “I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser” (Poe). These words are a link to the belief system of the character and support the actions of the protagonist. Also revealed throughout the characters point of view are details of the crime scene and the behavior of his victim. Poe writes, “A succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to thrust me violently back. For a brief moment I hesitated, I trembled” (Poe). Edgar Allen Poe focuses on the characters point of view and uses the perspective of the protagonist to emphasize details throughout the story. This is why I believe the point of view is the most important element of the story.

Poe, Edgar Allen. “The Cask of Amontillado.”1846.