Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
"The Cask of Amontillado" is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe. It tells the tale of Montresor, who seeks revenge against Fortunato and lures him into his family catacombs to meet a dark fate.
Related terms
Gothic Literature: Gothic literature is characterized by elements such as gloomy settings, supernatural occurrences, and intense emotions. "The Cask of Amontillado" falls within this genre.
Irony is a literary device that involves contradictions or discrepancies between what is expected and what actually happens. Poe expertly employs irony throughout the story.
Revenge refers to the act of seeking retribution for perceived wrongs or injustices. It serves as a central theme in "The Cask of Amontillado," driving Montresor's actions.