"An eye for an eye", this quote is often used among many diversities of people; however, Edgar Allan Poe took this quote to extremes in his short story The Cask of Amontillado. Poe's use of dramatic and verbal irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism creates a strong revenge story. Revenge is a feeling that has the ability to overcome a person's grip on reality. The narrator, Montresor, feels that he has been greatly insulted by the unfortunate Fortunado. For this reason, Montresor seeks revenge on Fortunado for his heinous crime. Dramatic irony is used when we know, or draw a conclusion, what will happen to Fortunato, although he continues his descent into the catacombs in pursuit of the Amontillado. The sense of revenge reaches its peak when Poe uses irony about Montresor to inform us that he will smile in Fortunato's face as he uses his wine to lure him into the catacombs to taste his imaginary Amontillado. During this scene he acts like a madman in costume as Montresor leads him to his deathbed. All the while Montresor acts very innocent. Verbal irony is used to foreshadow Montresor's plans. These plans are all triggered by his motive for revenge. This is evident in Montresor's concern for Fortunao's health. Montresor tells Fortunato that his health is precious and that they should go back so that Fortunato doesn't get sick. Fortunato responds by saying, "The cough is a mere nothing; it won't kill me." Since Montresor knows how Fortunato will die, he replies: "True, true." Not only is it an irony because Montresor could care less about Fortunato's health; only Montresor's advantage of carrying out his revenge plan, but his statement, "true, true", could also be used as foreshadowing. Montresor does... middle of the paper... for the setting of the story, but more importantly serves as a symbol of Fortunato's stupidity. He is the only one who does not know Montresor's plans, and for this reason Montresor manages to fool him. The last symbol is the mention of bells. If the reader has read other works by Poe it is obvious that the bells refer to premature burials. Thus the story ends, with the ringing of the bells. Poe uses aspects of dramatic and verbal irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism to shape his tale of revenge. Fortunato's fate is death, and Montresor tries to make his intentions seem honorable. His intentions were not honorable, only evil. However, he manages to achieve what he set out to achieve, revenge. Works Cited Gruesser, John. "Poe's The Cask of Amontillado; criticism and interpretation." The explainer (1998): 129-30.