Inspiration The Cask of Amontillado

thomas dunn english

poe wrote tale, however, response personal rival thomas dunn english. poe , english had several confrontations, revolving around literary caricatures of 1 another. poe thought 1 of english s writings went bit far, , sued other man s editors @ new york mirror libel in 1846. year english published revenge-based novel called 1844, or, power of s.f. plot convoluted , difficult follow, made references secret societies , had main theme of revenge. included character named marmaduke hammerhead, famous author of black crow , uses phrases nevermore , lost lenore , referring poe s poem raven . parody of poe depicted drunkard, liar, , abusive lover.

poe responded cask of amontillado , using specific references english s novel. in poe s story, example, fortunato makes reference secret society of masons, similar secret society in 1844, , makes gesture similar 1 portrayed in 1844 (it signal of distress). english had used image of token hawk grasping snake in claws, similar montresor s coat of arms bearing foot stomping on snake – though in image, snake biting heel. in fact, of scene of cask of amontillado comes scene in 1844 takes place in subterranean vault. in end, then, poe punishes impunity not taking credit own literary revenge , crafting concise tale (as opposed novel) singular effect, had suggested in essay philosophy of composition .

poe may have been inspired, @ least in part, washingtonian movement, fellowship promoted temperance. group made of reformed drinkers tried scare people abstaining alcohol. poe may have made promise join movement in 1843 after bout of drinking hopes of gaining political appointment. cask of amontillado may dark temperance tale , meant shock people realizing dangers of drinking.

poe scholar richard p. benton has stated belief poe s protagonist englished version of french montrésor , has argued forcefully poe s model montresor claude de bourdeille, comte de montrésor (count of montrésor), 17th-century political conspirator in entourage of king louis xiii s weak-willed brother, gaston d orléans . noted intriguer , memoir-writer first linked cask of amontillado poe scholar burton r. pollin.

further inspiration method of fortunato s murder comes fear of live burial. during time period of short story coffins given methods of alerting outside in event of live entombment. items such bells tied limbs of corpse signal outside not uncommon. theme evident in fortunato s costume of jester bells upon hat, , situation of live entombment within catacombs.