Most short stories and screenplays are rich in figurative language and literary elements. These are used to enhance the symbolism, motifs, and themes within the story. The use of similes, metaphors, personification, and onomatopoeia are abundant in this Poe short story.
After reading the story, ask your students to go on a literary scavenger hunt! Give them a list of figurative language to find, and have them create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each literary element in the story! They will have an absolute blast and master the words by the end.
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration or overstatement for humor or emphasis | “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could...” |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | “He turned towards me, and looked into my eyes with two filmy orbs that distilled the rheum of intoxication." |
| Foreshadowing | Hinting at something that will happen later on | “He had a weak point - this Fortunato - although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine.” |
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows five examples of literary elements in "The Cask of Amontillado," such as ironic elements.
Begin by giving simple and basic definitions and examples of literary elements to students. These literary elements are Hyperbole, Metaphors, Similes, and Foreshadowing. Teachers can highlight the importance of using these literary devices in literature and how they can be used to enhance the overall narrative of the story.
Pick images that effectively convey the essence of your theme, such as things, people, or actions. These images ought to capture the essence of the theme's message and arouse feelings in your audience. Using literary elements like metaphors and similes will help make your point more symbolic.
These patterns can be linguistic, conceptual, or graphic. Use exaggeration to highlight the significance of these patterns and alert readers to their applicability. For instance, if your theme is solitude, you may employ hyperbole like "endless solitude" to amplify the theme's emotional impact.
Use foreshadowing to allude to future happenings that relate to the theme. With the help of this strategy, readers can get a sense of what will happen thematically. Make vivid comparisons using similes to increase the impact of foreshadowing.
Create conversations that explore your theme, either directly or indirectly. Give characters the freedom to express various points of view while employing metaphors and similes to create detailed verbal imagery. The depth of conversations is enhanced by these tools.
The main literary device in "The Cask of Amontillado" is irony. The irony, both verbal and dramatic, abounds in the narrative. Characters use verbal irony when they speak in one way but mean another, frequently in a sardonic manner. When readers are aware of something that the protagonists are not, dramatic irony results. As an illustration, Montresor's toast to Fortunato's long life while plotting his murder is a classic case of verbal irony.
Foreshadowing builds suspense and a sense of expectancy. The upcoming murder is hinted at by Montresor's comments regarding the family motto and the trowel he is carrying. Due to Montresor's deceptive actions and Fortunato's ignorance of them, suspense is created. The tension keeps the audience interested and wondering what will happen to Fortunato.