The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe

[saviolo]

Have you noticed though, Poe does things that modern critics would suggest are 'wrong'. Where is the motivation for the main character walling someone up alive?

"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge. "

That's it. Nothing else. But - that rather says it all, doesn't it? What more characterisation do we need here? Quite brilliant.

[Poofle]

I remember reading an illustrated version of this as a seven year-old.

It gave me recurring nightmares of being slowly walled up and left to die. But I kinda liked it. I was a disturbed child.

[Nathrad Sheare]

Believe me when I write that we are all a little disturbed. Welcome to the forums.

[PluviophileReader]

Absolutely chilling! One of my favourite Poe stories. Poe manages to catch a mood, scene and character perfectly in only a few pages. The story is just so unnervingly described. I cannot imagine facing Fortunato's fate and having someone turn that despicably on you.

[randomcheerio]

Edgar Allen Poe is gothic gold.

[Nathrad Sheare]

randomcheerio: I couldn't have written it better myself.

PluviophileReader: You've put it very well. Poe's talent for description and concise storytelling is unmatched. He paints perfect horror in a few pages. I couldn't imagine suffering the fate of Fortunato, either. One minute, I;m best friends with a guy... Next, I'm trapped behind a wall drunk... There's DEFINITELY something WRONG here!!!

[Intellijock]

I have read a lot of Poe's short stories, and this is one of my favorites. Between its quotability and the clever tale of revenge that he spins, Poe captivated me.

[Karatics]

Loved this tale as a kid and even more so now! Thanks for posting.

[toshilou]

I love this one!!!
Poe is one of my favorite poets

[Qew]

Yes it's that combination of an uncomprimising revenge fantasy from the narrator's POV and the slow realisation of a horrifying brutal death from fortunato's that makes this story so chilling.

[dheyd]

I love the dark, twisted, and horrific tales written by Edgar Allen Poe. His obsession with being buried alive is truly chilling, but it was a valid concern during that time period. Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart and Ligeia are also great reads.

[Naomi]

There's nothing like a bit of dark and ghastly Poe to make my day better. When I first read this a couple of years ago I thought it was quite funny a little bit of dark comedy.

[Michelle-lit]

This is probably one of my favorite short stories of all time, and most definitely started my love of dark literature. Poe is one of those writers who can make you feel sick at the end of his stories, yet still feel a sense of awe and respect at what he has created. I recommend the Tell Tale Heart if you like The Cask of Amontillado.

[LSWS07]

I love Poe so much, but this is probably the story that stands out the most for me. Maybe because it was always assigned in my English classes!

[rssllue]

Ah, Fortunato. If only you would have loved life (and others) more than you loved wine.