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Final Paper for Lit210
Compare and Contrast: The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe and A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner

Axia College

Amontillado and Emily: Similar or Different?

Edgar Allan Poe and William Faulkner are both prize-winning American authors and poets, who wrote some of the most memorable short stories, novels, and poems in the world. The two short stories that stand out the most to perhaps every student are titled The Cask of Amontillado by Poe and A Rose for Emily by Faulkner. Both of these stories include death, revenge, mystery, and murder. The Cask of Amontillado is about two men named Montreso and Fortunato. Montreso is seeking revenge on his friend, Fortunato. The only matter that is certain is that Montreso is angry with Fortunato, so angry that he seeks evil revenge. The story leads on allowing the reader to wonder will happen to Fortunato. Then there is the story, A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner. He tells the story of an old woman who has died, named Emily. She was the talk of the town for many years, and the secrets of her life are revealed as her funeral allows the townspeople to enter her home. A few particular ways that Poe and Faulkner’s stories compare and contrast each other is by point of view and how each story is or is not told in chronological order. Each piece of literature effectively uses literary devices and conventions to illustrate the main points of the story and theme. They are alike in many ways, as they are different. Setting, point of view, characterization, climax, imagery, mood, and other effective literary devices are used throughout each story. Additionally, Poe and Faulkner were two men quite similar to one another, as in the two authors are known for being “dark” individuals with especially unique literary styles. While these stories contain specific differences in plot, such as holding onto the past and revenge, Poe and Faulkner’s works are as similar as the authors themselves.

Edgar Allan Poe and William



References: Abcarian, R., & Klotz, M. (2007). Literature: The Human Experience (shorter 9th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. Braiman (2007). Literary Devices. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from . Padgett (2008). MWP: William Faulkner (1897-1962). The Mississippi Writers Page. Retrieved January 27, 2010, from < http://www.olemiss.edu/>. Wilson (2004). Poe 's Life - PoeMuseum.org. Poe Museum. Retrieved January 27, 2010, from < http://www.poemuseum.org/>.

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