Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" is a short story about a man who was wronged and decides to get revenge on the offending individual. Monstesor's narration inadvertently shows the audience what he went through as he let anger and bitterness rage within him because of his wounded pride. There is also a dramatic irony in that Montresor shows concern for Fortunato at the same time he intends to kill him as they descend to the depths of the catacombs.
             A popular phrase says; "pride comes before the fall". In "The Cask of Amontillado", we see that both in Montresor as well as Fortunato. Montesor starts out mentioning his hurt pride: "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge." This man had been crossed by Fortunato many times but reacted only when his pride was devastated by an unknown insult. Thus, he formulates a plan he believes will avenge his hurt pride. In Montresor's mind, Fortunato deserved it. Montresor tells his unknown audience; "at length, I will be avenged". And vengeance is what he had. As the pair descends into the catacombs, the scene becomes gloomier and gloomier. This parallels what Montressor felt from Fortunato before finally descending into anger and thirst for vengeance. The catacombs for Fortunato have the same affect. Every time Montresor spoke to his pride, he felt more relaxed and was willing to trust Montresor, even until death. Thus, both had egos that eventually led them to their darkest hour.
             The dramatic irony between Fortunato and Montresor almost appears to be sarcasm. Montresor constantly insists he is looking out for Fortunato's best interest. On many occasions Montresor addresses Fortunato as friend. This is disarming to the inebriated Fortunato who seems to accept. Montresor begins this irony when he greets Fortunato:"My dear Fortunato, you are...