Question

How does verbal irony help develop theme?

(specifically in The Cask of Amontillado but in general is fine too)

Answer 1

A prime example of verbal Irony is from Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, "The Cask of Amontillado". While an unsuspecting Fortunato is being lead to his death by his former acquaintance Montresor, he is questioned about his well-being. Montresor notices Fortunato has a cough, which is growing more severe the further down the catacombs they travel. Montresor then asks if Fortunato would like to turn back and his reply is “I shall not die of a cough.” Montresor knowingly replies, “True –true.” The audience finds out at the end that this was in fact use of verbal irony because Montresor is the one to kill Fortunato and not his cough. ( http://www.storyboardthat.com/teacher-guide/the-cask-of-amontillado-by-edgar-allan-poe)

Answer 2

I loved this story

Answer 3

Yeah I like have all the examples of verbal irony from the story because I'm doing like a project on it, but how does it develop theme?

Answer 4

Oh well in this case it gives it a bit of a dark twisted theme simply by the fact that all of the verbal irony in it is about how he dies, his murder. Along with the way he dies. So its a bit more evil I guess you could say. Its the twisted humor that Poe is so famous for

Answer 5

Yup I included that in my project thanks anyway! :)