Psychological Criticism Of The Cask Of Amontillado

Lillianna Pinnock Professor Sheridan 7 December 2017 Research Paper Edgar Allan Poe: The Cask of Amontillado Psychoanalysis is the search for evidence for unresolved emotions, psychological conflicts, and whatever else may be hidden in perplexing literary works. Psychoanalytic criticism showcases what has been suppressed by the author’s conscious mind. The author’s sexual conflicts, family life, childhood traumas will be camouflaged in symbolism. One story that lends itself particularly well to this form of criticism is The Cask of Amontillado and throughout the story there are various literary elements that play a major role. Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado is a chilling tale of revenge told from the perspective of a demented narrator†¦show more content†¦What could drive someone to commit an act as unfathomably cruel as burying another person alive, many readers wonder. Although the answer to this question has escaped readers for centuries, an application of Freudian psychology helps to unearth some answers. Freudian psychology subscribes to the notion that the subconscious –the part of our brain that, unbeknownst to us, controls many of our behaviors–is divided into multiple parts. Montresor is the protagonist in The Cask of Amontillado. He would be an anti-hero or quite possibly the villain protagonist. Fortunato would be the antagonist. Since Montresor was the narrator, very little information was given in regards to Fortunato. In the beginning , when Fortunato is first introduced into the story, he is dressed like a fool. Fortunato’s addiction to wine led him to vul nerable to Montresor’s compelling offer of the Amontillado. The setting of The Cask of Amontillado factors into the criticism. The beginning setting describes the carnival. A place of â€Å"supreme madness†(Poe 2) was in full swing. Reading on the setting grows darker, damper, and colder. As they journey through the catacomb, Montresor and Fortunato move into smaller and smaller—and fouler and fouler—spaces. This suggest that, as they move father away from open air, they are alsoShow MoreRelatedPsychological Criticism Of The Cask Of Amontillado1134 Words   |  5 PagesThe Cask Of Amontillado Human beings naturally have a limitation of patience. When that limit is being put to the test a friend may easily be seen as a foe. A foe that might unknowingly be facing their untimely demise. In the story â€Å" The Cask of Amontillado† written by Edgar Allan Poe, the character Montresor has been supposedly wronged by Fortunato. Causing Montresor to contrive a plan to kill Fortunato. 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