Friday, 29 January 2016

What is the mood or atmosphere of this story?

The mood of this story is characterized by foreboding and danger. We know from the outset that Montresor is planning to do something terrible to Fortunato. He says, "I would be avenged" and that "I must not only punish but punish with impunity." Therefore, we know Montresor is plotting revenge for the "thousand injuries" Fortunato has done him as well as whatever "insult" Fortunato has offered him. Further, Montresor vows that he must not only...

The mood of this story is characterized by foreboding and danger. We know from the outset that Montresor is planning to do something terrible to Fortunato. He says, "I would be avenged" and that "I must not only punish but punish with impunity." Therefore, we know Montresor is plotting revenge for the "thousand injuries" Fortunato has done him as well as whatever "insult" Fortunato has offered him. Further, Montresor vows that he must not only exact such revenge, but he must do so without incurring personal consequence for himself. He feels both that he must go unpunished for whatever retribution he exacts as well as that he must make himself known as the author of this retribution. Several times Montresor hints about what he plans to do; the foreshadowing of his later actions lends to the foreboding atmosphere. His calculated coldness—his ability to deceive his victim up until the last moment—helps to create a mood of danger.

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