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  • Essay / The Use of First Person Narration in "The Cask of Amontillado"

    Table of ContentsBodyConclusionBibliography"The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe is a chilling story of revenge and deception. A key aspect that makes this story so intriguing is the use of first-person narration. Throughout the text, the narrator tells the story from his own perspective, giving readers a glimpse into his twisted mind. This essay will explore the importance of the first-person point of view in "The Cask of Amontillado," analyzing its impact on the reader's understanding of the story and its characters. By examining the key words used to describe point of view, we can better understand the narrator's motivations and the overall theme of the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Body From the beginning of the story, the first-person point of view draws the reader in and creates a feeling of unease. The narrator, Montresor, opens the story by stating: "I had borne Fortunato's thousand wounds as best I could, but when he ventured to insult him, I swore revenge" ( Poe, 1846). This introduction immediately establishes the personal connection between Montresor and the reader, making us privy to his inner thoughts and emotions. By using the first person pronouns “I” and “my,” Poe allows us to experience the story through Montresor’s eyes, thereby increasing the suspense and tension. Additionally, the first-person narration in “The Cask of Amontillado” creates a feeling of uncertainty and lacks reliability. Montresor is an unreliable narrator, as he manipulates the events of the story to serve his own goal of revenge. He admits: “I must not only punish, but punish with impunity” (Poe, 1846). This statement reveals his sinister intentions and raises doubts about the accuracy of his account. As readers, we question the reliability of Montresor's narration, adding an extra layer of suspense and intrigue to the story. Throughout "The Cask of Amontillado", there are several instances where key words are used to describe the first person point of view. These keywords include “I”, “my” and “me”. By paying attention to these words, we can better understand the narrator's point of view. For example, Montresor repeatedly uses the word “I” to describe his thoughts and actions. He said: “I continued, as usual, to smile in his face” (Poe, 1846). This use of "I" emphasizes Montresor's self-centeredness and his feeling of superiority over Fortunato, the object of his revenge. Additionally, Montresor often uses possessive pronouns such as "my" and "me". These pronouns highlight his possessive nature and his obsession with revenge. He declares: “My heart has become sick; it was the humidity of the catacombs that made it so” (Poe, 1846). This possessiveness reflects Montresor's desire to control the situation and manipulate Fortunato to his own advantage. By using these key words, Poe effectively conveys Montresor's twisted state of mind and reinforces the first-person perspective of the narration. One of the main strengths of the use of first-person narration in “The Cask of Amontillado” is its ability to delve deeper into the psychology of the characters. Through Montresor's narration, we gain insight into his thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This psychological depth adds complexity to the story and enhances the reader's understanding of the characters. By using first person perspective, Poe allows us to witness the.." 1846.