symbol paper

Symbolism, Irony, and Theme in Short Stories Two very different short stories, “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Scarlet Ibis” display exemplary symbolism, irony, the theme of alienation and isolation, and the element of flashback. Symbolism is the use of different objects to represent a further meaning. Irony is a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention opposite of that which is actually stated. Theme is the overall point that the author is trying to convey to the reader. “The Cask of Amontillado,” written by Edgar Allen Poe and narrated by the antagonist of the story, Montresor, who just so happens to be the main character, is about how Montresor got his revenge on Fortunato. On the other hand, “The Scarlet Ibis,” by James Hurst, entails Brother realizing how inhumane he truthfully was to Doodle, all due to his own selfish pride throughout Doodle’s lifetime. The authors of these two short stories have exceptional talents with symbolism, theme, and irony even though the plots are quite different.
“The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Scarlet Ibis” both utilize symbols to demonstrate suspense and irony in their plots to develop a theme of alienation and isolation. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” there are different symbols to help the invention of suspense and irony. One symbol in particular would be the name Montresor itself. This name shows the characterization of a monster. As Fortunato gives his last plea, Montresor sarcastically converses with Fortunato saying, “‘Yes,’ I said, ‘let us be gone.’ ‘For the love of God, Montresor!’ ‘Yes, I said, ‘for the love of God,’” and by this Montresor is trying to convey that Fortunato will die while Montresor lives on, knowing that he got revenge (Poe 11). Another symbol found in “The Cask of Amontillado” is dusk. Dusk and the lack of light symbolize the closing of the day, and Montresor’s race against time to get his revenge on Fortunato, to close Fortunato’s life. The mood conveyed