Writing Styles Of Herman Melville And Edgar Allen Poe

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theory and Melville's exceptional
character development in the short stories, "The Cask of Amontillado," and
"Bartelby the Scrivener," written by Poe and Melville respectively. This
paper will not only compare the plot and structure of these two stories,
but will also argue that these authors use distinct styles in approaching
their stories to achieve essentially the same affect on the reader of a
well developed character study of two quirky main characters.

Poe writes the story, "The Cask of Amontillado," from the
perspective of Montresor, who vows revenge against Fortunato in an effort
to support his time-honored family motto: "Nemo me impune lacessit," or "No
one assails me with impunity." (No one can attack me without being
punished). Poe does not intend for the reader to sympathize with Montresor
because he has been wronged by Fortunato, but rather to judge him. Telling
the story from Montresor's point of view intensifies the effect of moral
shock and horror. Once again, the ...

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of a court jester including a "...conical cap and bells."
Montresor proclaims how glad he is to encounter Fortunato since he has just
purchased a large cask of "...what passes for Amontillado [a variety of dry
sherry]," but he has his doubts about its authenticity. Fortunato also has
doubts. "How?" said Fortunato. "Amontillado?Impossible! And in the middle
of the carnival!" Eventually, Montressor invites Fortunato down to a damp
wine cellar to evaluate the validity of the Amontillado. As the two men
walk down the long, winding staircase to cellar, we become aware of the
dramatic irony that Poe has presented to us. In effect, Montressor is
leading Fortunato all the way down to what ...

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