Question

What does the speaker's choice of words such as, vowed, settled, avenged, and impunity show about his emotional state

Answer 1

The speaker's choice of words such as 'vowed,' 'settled,' 'avenged,' and 'impunity' demonstrates a strong emotional response and a desire for justice, indicating an emotionally charged state and intentions to convey a narrative of reparation and the seeking of truth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker’s choice of words such as 'vowed,' 'settled,' 'avenged,' and 'impunity' indicate a deep emotional turmoil and a strong desire for justice. These words carry connotations of determination and seriousness, suggesting that the speaker is committed to seeing a wrong set right, and will not rest until it is. The language reflects a heavily emotional state, one that is consumed with the thoughts of revenge or reparation, which transcends personal interest and leans towards achieving a sense of political justice. Such language can be indicative of the speaker being driven by feelings of anger, betrayal, and a profound need to rectify a perceived injustice.

The excerpts provided reinforce this sense, showing a narrative that focuses on the struggle for recognition, the validation of truth, and an unwavering quest to challenge dismissive attitudes towards profound personal and societal wrongs. The emotionally charged word choice serves to emphasize these themes and connect the reader to the speaker’s intense psychological experience.

The usage of these particular words also offers insight into the writer’s intent to produce a rhetorically impactful narrative. By selecting words that resonate with weight and gravity, the speaker adds depth to their emotional plea, appealing directly to the audience’s sense of right and wrong, and challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths. This reflects an attempt to not only tell a personal story but to also engage with broader social issues in a manner that is both provocative and persuasive.

Answer 2

This question refers to the short story "The Cask of Amontillado", by Edgar Allan Poe. More specifically, it refers to the first paragraph, where the mentioned words can be found:

THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that gave utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely, settled --but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.

Answer and Explanation:

The speaker's word choice reveals a lot about his emotional state. He is clearly angry for having been offended by Fortunato, even though he never reveals what the offense was. He has a vengeful feeling toward his "friend", and he is also clearly determined to not only carry out his revenge, but to also remain unpunished. We can also tell that, in spite of his anger, he is able to remain cold, speaking of his murderous decision in tranquil yet decisive tone.