Edgar Allan Poe titled his story “The Cask of Amontillado” to emphasize not only the role of the Amontillado, a rare and valuable kind of sherry, but also to highlight the themes of deception and revenge that permeate the narrative.
The cask serves as a plot device that lures the protagonist, Fortunato, into a trap laid by Montresor, the story’s narrator. The title hints at the allure of fine wine and the lengths to which individuals will go to satisfy their desires. In this case, Fortunato’s pride in his connoisseurship and his eagerness to showcase his expertise lead him directly into Montresor’s clutches.
Moreover, the cask can be seen as a symbol of Fortunato’s ultimate fate; it is both a literal vessel for wine and a metaphorical container for his demise. The title sets the stage for a story that delves into themes of pride, betrayal, and the dark side of human nature.