In Edgar Allan Poe's story "The Cask of Amontillado," suspense is built by Poe as Montresor leads Fortunato deeper into the underground vaults through various literary techniques. Here's how Poe achieves this:
1. Foreshadowing: Poe uses foreshadowing to hint at the dark events to come. Montresor's initial friendly demeanor towards Fortunato contrasts with his true intentions, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
2. Setting and Atmosphere: The damp, dark, and claustrophobic vaults intensify the sense of dread and impending doom. The setting contributes to the overall feeling of unease and tension.
3. Montresor's Manipulation: Montresor manipulates Fortunato's trust and vanity, leading him deeper into the vaults under the guise of tasting a rare wine. This manipulation increases the reader's anticipation of Fortunato's fate.
4. Symbolism: The symbolism of the carnival season and Fortunato's jester costume suggests a facade or mask that hides darker intentions. This adds layers to the suspense as the characters' true selves are gradually revealed.
5. Irony: The dramatic irony of Montresor's true intentions, known to the reader but not to Fortunato, creates tension as Fortunato unknowingly walks towards his demise.
By employing these techniques, Poe masterfully builds suspense as Montresor leads Fortunato deeper into the underground vaults, keeping readers on edge and engaged until the chilling conclusion of the story.
