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The Shadow of Irony Audience appeal for motion pictures and literature often stems from the use of irony which astonishes and catches the assembly off guard. By simply springing abrupt events or exposing hidden surprises, an author can attract extraordinary praise and reviews for his or her work. The writer must use irony in unexpected places and in a variety of forms, so that the plot and its resolution do not become predictable and unoriginal. The creative use of irony puzzles and grasps the audience s attention and thoughts. The first method verbal irony utilizes character dialogue to relate one idea without revealing the character s true intentions. Additionally, situational irony involves a contrast or twist in the plot that the reader does not expect.
Finally, dramatic irony occurs when the audience has knowledge of a transpiring event before a character experiences the situation. By using the many facets of irony, Edgar Alan Poe enriches the short story, The Cast of Amontillado, by casting a dark, mischievous atmosphere whose terror no one can escape. Perhaps Poe uses Montresor s words in the most unusual manner, in that they take upon an entirely different interpretation that extends far beyond their surface meaning. In fact, Fortunado s virtuoso spirit (151), drunken stupor, and unwillingness to spare his precious health (152) lead to his demise and death. Time and time again Montresor pretends to implore Fortunado to exit the catacombs on account of his fading health, yet this fallacious act only lures Fortunado into Montresor s plan for revenge. By pretending to show concern for his foe, Montresor expels all doubt in Fortunado s mind that any acts of revenge could take place.
In reality, Montresor has no legitimate concern for Fortunado s well being, and he has no intention of returning until Fortunado suffers mental anguish and perishes. However, Fortunado does not suffer alone within the deep crypt (153), as Montresor s heart grows sick due to the dampness of the catacombs which witness his sinister actions. As light falls upon this quote, it becomes evident that Montresor does not feel ill due to the physical atmosphere of the dungeon, but rather on account of the grief that dwells with in his soul. The secrets inside his heart seem unbearable, and the reader can conclude that this story initiated due to Montresor s need to reveal the truth. The pain and suffering caused by one s undisclosed wrong doings can paralyze a soul beyond recognition, so that it no longer functions until the truth comes forth. The verbal irony within this story moves the plot and casts an element of horror making the reader decide what type of anguish hurts the most.
Just as verbal irony raises questions in the readers mind, the unexpected events prevalent in The Cast of Amontillado deepen the audience s intrigue and yearning to discover the sequence of events that follow. For instance, after learning about Montresor s vicious plan to punish {Fortunado} with impunity, (151) the reader receives a jolt by discovering that Fortunado tends to the public {wearing} motley (151), the attire required by his profession. Entertainers rarely threaten anyone, and it seems strange to learn that a clown committed a vial act. The reader must wonder how a person with the innate ability to humor people could commit a crime that would drive one to an extreme such as murder. Clowns have a tendency to lighten one s day, yet obviously Fortunado did not brighten Montresor s life. In addition, the reader must consider why Montresor never sought retribution...
on {his} avenger (151) and did not venture upon insult until much later in life. One would assume that if a crime or horrible deed occurred, the victim would seek revenge as soon as possible and would never let the criminal lead a normal life. Since the crime Fortunado committed caused Montresor so much pain and suffering, the reader wonders if Montresor lost the capability of committing an act of revenge, or if his delay results as an attempt to never expose his true intentions. By withholding this information from the reader, the author forces the audience to draw conclusions on its own, making it justify Montresor s sinister acts. These unexpected events and revelations draw the reader into the story, and keep one constantly wondering about the situation at hand. In a similar manner that situational irony contributes to the readers inquisitive mind, dramatic irony provides the reader with insight about Montresor s plans long before Fortunado becomes aware.
For example, Montresor s coat of arms reveals that no one can harm {Montresor} unpunished (153), yet Fortunado does not consider this fact because the wine has made him an ignoramus (153), blind to the acts of Montresor. This motto clearly relates Montresor s full intentions to the reader, and he follows through in order to protect his family name. Yet Fortunado, in his drunken haze, does not apply the motto to his life, and his existence quickly comes to an end. Moreover, Fortunado walks down the extensive catacombs (152) in the same manner that a prisoner would rest himself {on the} arm of his executioner. When Montresor dons a black robe and plans for Fortunado s murder, the reader identifies Montresor in the role of an executioner. Fortunado, unaware of his fate, views Montresor s arm as a crutch and uses it to assist him down the corridor of the catacombs.
These clues paint a clear picture of Montresor s plans, yet Fortunado does not piece them together to avoid his murder. Clearly, Edgar Alan Poe s use of irony keeps the reader asking questions and engrossed in the story. The variety of ironical twists and turns throughout the story fill every facet of the readers mind and forces him to make his or her own interpretations. One s imagination has far more creativity than words can ever express.
By leaving the story open Poe ensures that each reader will use his or her own imagination to draw conclusions and cast horror upon the situation at hand.
Free research essays on topics related to: true intentions, verbal irony, dramatic irony, pain and suffering, situational irony
Research essay sample on Pain And Suffering Situational Irony
