GCSE: Edgar Allan Poe

How does Edgar A. Poe build up suspense and tension in The Cask of Amontillado?

We are given some background information on Fortunato and a little on Montresor. Fortunato is a wine expert; because of this, he can get drunk but he is also very prideful of himself, and his expertise. Montresor "was skilful in the Italian vintages" himself. This obviously links to the title, making us, the reader, excited to see how the Amontillado fits into the story, and how important it is. Edgar A. Poe then adds tension by giving us a setting. It is "dusk, one evening". It's set during "the supreme madness of the carnival season".

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