Theme Of Suspense In The Cask Of Amontillado

Suspense is a characteristic that most horror fiction writers use for a variety of reasons. It could be to provide the reader with a rush of adrenaline, to keep their readers interest throughout the story, to add more depth to the story, and more. Horror fiction writers do just that through the use of suspense. Since horror fiction has been around for ages that gave authors time to learn how to captivate their readers and keep them that way. For them to retain their readers they also use series of literary devices which in turn create suspense. In “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, the author uses verbal irony to create suspense in order to engage their readers.
Poe provides many hints as to what is going to happen to Fortunato throughout the story. This is done for the sake of keeping the reader’s imagination running while also leaving them on their toes anticipating what is going to happen next. For this to be created Poe uses verbal irony. For example, when Fortunato declares, ‘“... the cough’s a mere nothing; it will not kill [him]. [he] shall not die of a cough” “True--true,” [Montresor] replie[s]” (Poe, 6) This creates some anticipation in the readers’ minds as to how Fortunato will end. This is ironic because Montresor, in fact, knows how Fortunato’s life is destined to end by his hand. Montresor acts as if he is concerned over Fortunato 's health when he says, “[They] will go back; [they’re] health is precious.” (5) However, Fortunato is not worried about