A major literary device used in "The Cask of Amontillado" is dramatic irony. At the beginning of the story, Montresor makes it clear to the reader that he plans to get revenge on Fortunato for the "thousand injuries" that he has had to bear from him. Fortunato, however, is completely unaware of the Montresor's plans because Montresor is behaving in a friendly manner (on top of the fact that Fortunato has had too much to drink at the carnival). Montresor appeals to Fortunato's ego by telling him that he respects his knowledge of fine wines, which is all just a rouse to get him into the cellar. As the two walk through the catacombs, the reader is aware that Fortunato is about to meet an ill fate, yet he remains unaware. So, dramatic irony is at play in the story.
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