Cask Of Amontiallo By Poe Essays - The Cask Of Amontillado, Irony

Cask Of Amontiallo By Poe In the short story "The Cask of Amontillado," Edgar Allan Poe writes in first person point of view, from the perspective of Montresor, the diabolical narrator of this tale, who vows revenge against Fortunato. Montresor began to develop the perfect plan for retribution. During the carnival season, Montresor encounters Fortunato and decides to implement his plan carefully not to arouse Fortunato's suspicions through irony. Poe's story describes the inner workings of a murderer's mind, Montresor, who has lived the memory of Fortunato's death for fifty years. Poe uses different types of irony in the conversations between Montresor and Fortunato. First, Poe uses dramatic irony in the story. For example, Montresor expresses concern about Fortunato's health. Montresor points out, "Come, I said, with decision, we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy as once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be responsible" (434). Both the reader and Montresor know of his devious plan of murder that awaits Fortunato when he descends into the catacombs in search for the wine. But, Fortunato, nave, does not suspect that Montresor is capable of such an act. Montresor pretends that he is concerned about Fortunato's health, when he says they should go back. In fact, Montresor could care less about Fortunato's health; he is just concerned about his own advantage of manipulation by luring him into the catacombs to carry out his plan. Montresor also intends to be responsible for Fortunato's death. Montresor does not want Fortunato to die of a cough or from the niter in the catacombs, but of his own destruction. The drunken Fortunato is the only one in the story who is unaware of Montresor's real motives; which demonstrates situational irony. Another example is when the two men are having a conversation about returning to the carnival, but Fortunato insists going to the catacombs with Montresor. Fortunato states, "Enough, he said; the cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough" (434). Then Montresor states, "True--true, I replied; and, indeed, I had no intention of alarming you unnecessarily--but you should use all proper caution" (434). Poe illustrates this irony: the reader knows of the narrator's intentions but Fortunato does not. Little does Fortunato know how true his words are. Fortunato is not going to die of a cough, but due to Montresor's deceit. Secondly, Poe uses numerous examples of verbal irony. For instance, when Montresor toasts to Fortunato's long life. Montresor says, "Drink..." (434). Then Fortunato says, "I drink, ...to the buried that repose around us." Then again, Montresor says, '"And I to your long life"' (434). Montresor, however, does not intend for Fortunato to live very long at all. On the contrary, Montresor is toasting because he wants Fortunato to accompany his ancestors in the catacombs. Furthermore, Montresor addresses Fortunato as his dear friend, when they first encounter each other. Fortunato believes that Montresor is his friend, when actually he intends to make a fool out of him. Thus, Montresor states, "My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably you are looking today! But I have received a pipe of what passes Amontillado, and I have my doubts" (432). Montresor calls Fotunato "dear" when he hates this man with a passion. He also knows that Fortunato is not dressed appropriately; he is dressed as a clown, but Montresor still compliments him on his attire, because his attire fits with Montresor's plans- to make a fool out of him. Moreover, Montresor points out, "My friend, no; I will not impose upon your good nature" (433). Montresor again calls him his friend, which is ironic because he hates Fortunato and considers him an enemy. He also says that Fortuanto is good, but Montresor knows that he is not good because Fortunato insulted him. After being insulted by Fotunato, Montresor is not about to consider him a true friend and has planned to kill him out of revenge. In this tale of revenge, Poe illustrates a variety of ironic situations between Montresor and Fortunato. Montresor preys upon Fotunato's tendency to drink, as well as upon is vanity. Poe's story reveals that Fortuanto's fate is death, not life. Montresor is so evil that he tries to convince the reader that his intentions are honorable. Every detail of irony is so perfectly crafted to show Montresor's cleverness to deceive his "dear friend" Fortunato, by

Free Online Classes for West Virginia K-12 Students

Free Online Classes for West Virginia K-12 Students West Virginia offers resident students the opportunity to take online public school courses for free. Below is a list of no-cost online schools currently serving elementary and high school students in West Virginia. In order to qualify for the list, schools must meet the following qualifications: classes must be available completely online, they must offer services to state residents, and they must be funded by the government. Virtual schools listed may be charter schools, state-wide public programs, or private programs that receive government funding. List of West Virginia Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools West Virginia Virtual School Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Many states now offer tuition-free online schools for resident students under a certain age (often 21). Most virtual schools are charter schools; they receive government funding and are run by a private organization. Online charter schools are subject to fewer restrictions than traditional schools. However, they are reviewed regularly and must continue to meet state standards. Some states also offer their own online public schools. These virtual programs generally operate from a state office or a school district. State-wide public school programs vary. Some online public schools offer a limited number of remedial or advanced courses not available in brick-and-mortar public school campuses. Others offer full online diploma programs. A few states choose to fund â€Å"seats† for students in private online schools. The number of available seats may be limited and students are usually asked to apply through their public school guidance counselor. Choosing a West Virginia Online Public School When choosing an online public school, look for an established program that is regionally accredited and has a track record of success. Be wary of new schools that are disorganized, are unaccredited, or have been the subject of public scrutiny. Evaluating virtual schools is important to ensure that it meets the students needs and fulfills educational requirements.

Discuss whether or not the 19th century was a period of progress Essay

Discuss whether or not the 19th century was a period of progress - Essay Example A perusal of the writings of various 19th century authors like Mary Shelley, Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Rudyard Kipling, John Stuart Mill and Stà ©phane Mallarmà © was made to ascertain the answer to the problem being posed. The result of the inquiry into the aforesaid writers’ works supports the hypothesis that the 19th century was a period of progress not only in the realm of sciences and research but also in the areas of human and social outlook. The 19th century was a period of growth in the field of sciences, research and industry. This is the implication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) which is a Gothic novel about a scientist who discovered how to give life to inanimate objects such as a corpse. It is evident from this work that at the time Shelley wrote this novel, the industrial revolution already exploded at least in Europe which became her basis for her descriptions of the mechanical contraptions used by her primary character to create his ‘monster.’ The miserable musings of Frankenstein who is both guilt-ridden for having stepped into the shoes of God and loathing of the ugly creature, which is human but not human, he created represent Shelley’s caveat against engaging too much in insatiable scientific quests and exploration to the extent of overstepping on God’s jurisdiction. This is evident in the following lines by Frankenstein: â€Å"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, then he who aspires to be greater than his nature will allow† (33). This passage implies that at the time Shelley wrote this novel in 1818, there was a stream of scientific movements going on quite different and more advanced and bolder in scope than what the world was used to that it alarmed the mind of the then young Shelley who must have thought these developments were bordering on blasphemy. To this extent, Shelley