Final answer:
In 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, the author builds suspense by using the difference between the meaning of the character's name, Fortunato, and the actual events he experiences. The name's meaning and the irony it creates, along with the protagonist's emphasis on Fortunato's expertise in wine and the use of foreshadowing, all contribute to the suspenseful atmosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the short story 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, the author uses the difference between the meaning of the character's name, Fortunato, and the actual events that he experiences to build suspense throughout the story. Fortunato's name means 'fortunate,' which creates an ironic contrast with the unfortunate events that unfold for him.
By presenting Fortunato as a wine connoisseur and emphasizing his expertise in wines, the author adds to the suspense. This builds anticipation in the reader, as they wonder how Fortunato's knowledge of wine will interact with the events of the story.
Additionally, the author uses foreshadowing to hint at the impending doom awaiting Fortunato. The protagonist, Montresor, repeatedly mentions the Amontillado, a rare and prized wine, which serves as a lure to draw Fortunato further into his fate. The difference between the meaning of Fortunato's name and the tragic events that unfold leads to a sense of dramatic irony and heightens the suspense throughout the story.