Compare and Contrast: the Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe and a Rose for Emily by William Faulkner

Compare and Contrast: The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe and A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner (Rough Draft)

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 me 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. His friend has insulted him; however the insult is never discussed. 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 what is going to happen to Fortunato. Then, there is the story, A Rose for Emily. This is William Faulkner’s story and he is the narrator. He tells the story of an old woman who has died, named Emily. She was the talk of the town for many years, and now the secrets of her life are revealed as her funeral allows the townspeople to enter her home. The ending of the story presents a completely unexpected secret about Emily that shocks the people of Jefferson. A particular way that Poe and Faulkner’s stories compare and contrast each other is by point of view. The Cask of Amontillado is written in first person view, while A Rose for Emily is constantly using the term “we”, as if Faulkner is speaking for the whole town of Jefferson, where the story takes place. Another way that each story contradicts each other is The Cask of Amontillado is told in chronological order, where A Rose for Emily is not. Faulkner’s story is actually told randomly, describing different instances and experiences related to Emily. Additionally, Poe’s story is told 50 years after the incident between...