... greet each other as friends but the reader is made aware that Montresor smiles with vengeance in his heart. This knowledge of Montresor, displayed to the reader but not to Fortunato, is another example of Poe's use of dramatic irony. We know the truth behind the smile whereas the character in the story does not. Montresor states that "[Fortunato] did not perceive that my smile now was ... the very same Amontillado with a desire to kill his victim slowly. The Amontillado is not literally a sherry at all but rather a symbol of Fortunato's doom and Montresor's success. This is not a fact t...

• Word Count: 1170
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... I heard you tapping so gently and faintly at my chamber door because I was napping."" (19-23). Then I opened the door wide, and there was only darkness and nothing else (23-24). I stood there for a long time, peering deep into that darkness, wondering, fearing, doubting and dreaming dreams no being ever dared to dream before (25-26). The silence remained unremitting and the ... within me radiating, and soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before (31-32). "Probably something is at my window alcove. Let me see, then, what it is, let my heart calm down, and explore this myster...

• Word Count: 2508
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School