Point of View in The Cask Of Amontillado Essay

The Cask of Amontillado, one of Edgar Allen Poes many short stories, has a very interesting point of view and an extremely unique and well thought out plot. Written in his mysterious and ghastly style, Poe uses these two important literary elements to create a suspenseful atmosphere and to intrigue the readers. It is essential to see how these two components affect this short story in order to understand the authors intention.

Firstly, the point of view is a source of the suspense in The Cask of Amontillado. The storys absence of important information leaves the readers hanging on the edge of a cliff, asking themselves Whats going to happen next? During the whole tale, Montresor never precisely explains how he was hurt or insulted by his old friend, Fortunado. This type of suspense was meant to trouble the minds of the readers, making them wonder whether or not Montresors motivation to kill was reasonable, in other words, whether he was sane or not. Also, Edgar Allen Poes tale is told from the first person and has an unreliable narrator. The point of view is limited. Since it is impossible to tell whether or not the main character has any logical reason, any information given to the readers by Montresor is classified as biased or prejudiced, thus creating a state of uncertainty and of anticipation in the readers minds.

What is more, the plot structure in The Cask of Amontillado is one of the methods used by Poe to convey the feeling of mystery and curiosity. The main character is telling the story to a friend, who is unknown to the readers. For example, Montresor says: You, who so well know the nature of my soul []. This flashback causes the readers to ask themselves who exactly is this unknown character, and whether or not it is necessary to find out. Another important aspect of the plot structure is how the story ends abruptly on a climax. The state of balance in the tale is incomplete, causing the readers to become obsessed about the outcome and consequences of Montresors actions. This emotional response leaves the audience wanting to know more, which is why The Cask of Amontillado is such an exciting and surprising tale. The story, however, will always remain a mystery. Hence, the readers curiosities will never be satisfied.

Both literary elements are ironically used in the opposite way of their true purpose, which is to inform. The audience misguided and mislead, and the unknown becomes dominant in the tale. This unawareness of what is happening elicits uncertainty and curiosity in the readers. This was obviously the authors intention, and it is amazing how Poe manipulates the point of view and the plot structure which have, as it is clearly shown in The Cask of Amontillado, great effect on a tale.