Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Poe manipulates the story to suit his needs through the use of the point of view presented in the form of first-person narration.   The central narrator, Montressor, presents the story at a personal point of view. The readers’ opinion is corrupted by the narrator’s perception towards Fortunato. The opening line of the story is meant to lure the readers into supporting his actions, â€Å"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge†. The use of central narrator affects the emotional attachment that the reader feels upon a character. His attempt to capture readers’ support is strategic. However, readers do not understand what Fortunato had done to the narrator or if the narrator is trying to create a scene in his mind. The reader becomes even more confused because all the story events are brought to the fore by the narrator. Montresor takes advantage of the narration role to justify his actions as well as changing the readers’ attitude towards Fortunato.   The story is told from the narrator’s point of view to increase the depravity and remorse that the reader feels. The narrator tries to divert the reader away from realizing the perverseness of his behavior. He suggests that walling-off Fortunato brings satisfaction.   The narrator is successful in walling-off Fortunato in a cordial manner without struggle or resistance being put-up by Fortunato, â€Å"The Amontillado!’ ejaculated my friend, not yet recovered from his astonishment† (532). If the author had Fortunato resist or show any anger, the act could have negatively affected the reader’s mood. The impact of the scene is further enhanced through narration by the immediate sobering up of Fortunato, â€Å"It was not the cry of a drunken man† (532). Use of central narration indicates that the story revolves around the in ner terror and the innate evil that exists in people. It allows the readers peer inside the narrators, as well as the author’s, mind and condition. Use of first person narration is related to the idea that telling the story from the victim’s perspective would not portray the memorable qualities to the readers’ attention. The narrator is able to bring out the true clarity of the dark tale, chilling suspense and invite the reader’s into the calculating and icy mind of Montresor. The detailed first person narration reveals the author’s intention of making the readers judge the narrator; not sympathize with him. First person narration is used to show that revenge is impossible due to a man’s inner self. This style also allows the reader to understand the character’s inner struggles and decisions, â€Å"You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however that I gave utterance to a threat† (528). The use of a character’s point of view is poetic because it brings-out various themes such as brutality and insensitivity. The narration helps in the expression of the author’s inner most feelings in relation to the main theme of the literary article. The use of the first person narration by Poe portrays some aspects of meta-fiction traits. Most of the ideas being asserted by the narrator emanates from the author. The story narration could be a confession or the narrator could be bragging. Otherwise, why shoul d it be back dated for half a century? Additionally, he exclaims, â€Å"In pace requiescat!† at the end of the story (533). This indicates that he could be comforting his soul after making a fifty year old confession. Because I could not stop for Death by Emily Dickinson is also a first person narration that invokes controversy. This is because it presents a multidimensional and complex view of a concept that is mysterious to most readers: death. Just like in the case of The Cask of Amontillado by Poe, the author seems to express his feelings and inner thoughts through