Everything that represents more than it is, is symbolic. It is often used by writers to improve their writing. For example, the phrase "Life is like a roller coaster" is symbolic because it means that there will be ups and downs in life that you may or may not experience. Other times the author explains an object better by using a symbol to represent it as a chain represents the meeting of two things. In elementary schools, teachers use pictures of animals and objects with the same first letter as the next letter of the alphabet to remind them which letter comes next when saying the name. There can also be irony in the writings, it is the opposite of what is intended. For example: the Titanic was said to be 100% unsinkable; but in 1912 the ship sank during the voyage. Irony is also used in everyday life during conversations, you or someone else may make a sarcastic remark in jest. “The Barrel of Amontillado” is narrated by Montresor, a man who is mad or perhaps mad. In the story he begins by explaining how Fortunato hurt him, but it was much worse, it was an insult. Now he seeks revenge. Montresor then "accidentally" meets Fortunato, who is dressed as a jester at carnival. He mentions a rare brandy called Amontillado; Fortunato is immediately interested in the authenticity of the wine. Montresor begins to make fun of Fortunato because he refers to Luchresi about the wine. , implying that he hadn't thought about Fortunato before. Fortunato then insults Luchresi and insists that he must try this unique wine. So he and Montresor go to the underground cemetery or "catacombs" beneath Montresor's palace, where the wine is apparently stored. . Montresor leads him further and further into the catacombs by making him drunk...... middle of paper...... instruction Bright Hub, Inc., October 9, 2013. Web March 17, 2014. Poe, Edgar allan “The Cask of Amontillado ”. Heritage of American literature. Ed. James E. Miller. Vol. 2. Austin: HarcourtBrace Jovanovich, 1991. 20. Print.Russ, Rj "Symbolism in Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado'." Yahoo Rumors. Yahoo, Inc., April 28, 2008. Web March 17, 2014.Shmoop Editoial Team “Amontillado Barrel Writing Style.” Shmoop. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. March 17, 2014.Wood, Kerry "Literary Analysis: Irony in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado'." Humanities 360. Helium, Inc., November 9, 2007. Web. March 17, 2014. Word Press Editors "Masonic and Numerical Symbolism in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado.'" Word Press. October 2, 2013. Web. March 17 2014.