"The Cask" Characterization Review
By: Damion Palasota & Ben Barmore
Definitions
Characterization: Describing a character in the story
Direct Characterization: When the author directly states the character's traits.
Indirect Characterization: When the author gives clues about the character's traits but never directly states them.
Characterization Examples in "The Cask of Amontillado"
Direct Characterization: "He had a weak point-- this Fortunato-- although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared." (Poe, Paragraph 3).
Indirect Characterization: "You, who know so well the nature of my soul, will not suppose however, that I gave utterance to a threat." (Poe, Paragraph 1).
Question Answering
"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I borne as best I could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge." (Poe, Paragraph 1). This quote describes Montresor's reasoning for betraying and killing Fortunato. He was tired of being tormented physically, and insulted verbally, causing him to want revenge. This also shows some of Montresor's traits. He is one who will not be insulted without retribution.