Cathedral vs. The Cask of Amontillado

Attribute	Cathedral	The Cask of Amontillado
Setting	Modern-day America	18th century Italy
Author	Raymond Carver	Edgar Allan Poe
Genre	Short story	Short story
Themes	Isolation, communication, perception	Revenge, betrayal, deception
Protagonist	Unnamed narrator	Montresor

Plot

In Cathedral, the story revolves around a blind man who visits the narrator and his wife. The narrator initially feels uncomfortable with the blind man's presence but eventually forms a deep connection with him through a shared experience of drawing a cathedral. The story explores themes of isolation, communication, and understanding. On the other hand, The Cask of Amontillado follows the narrator, Montresor, as he seeks revenge on Fortunato for an insult. Montresor lures Fortunato into his family catacombs under the pretense of tasting a rare wine, only to wall him up alive. The story is a chilling tale of betrayal and vengeance.

Character Development

In Cathedral, the narrator undergoes significant character development as he learns to see beyond his prejudices and connect with the blind man on a deeper level. Through their shared experience of drawing a cathedral, the narrator gains a new perspective on life and human connection. On the other hand, The Cask of Amontillado focuses on the twisted psyche of Montresor, who meticulously plans and executes his revenge on Fortunato. Montresor's character is driven by a desire for retribution and a cold, calculating nature that is devoid of empathy.

Setting

Cathedral is set in a suburban home where the narrator and his wife live. The story takes place over the course of a single evening as the blind man visits and the narrator's perceptions are challenged. The setting is intimate and domestic, emphasizing the personal nature of the story. In contrast, The Cask of Amontillado is set in the dark, damp catacombs beneath Montresor's family estate. The eerie setting adds to the sense of foreboding and claustrophobia as Montresor leads Fortunato deeper into the catacombs towards his ultimate fate.

Themes

Cathedral explores themes of perception, empathy, and human connection. The story challenges the narrator's narrow view of the world and encourages him to see beyond his prejudices. Through his interactions with the blind man, the narrator learns the importance of empathy and understanding in forming meaningful relationships. On the other hand, The Cask of Amontillado delves into themes of revenge, betrayal, and madness. Montresor's obsession with revenge consumes him and drives him to commit a heinous act of murder in the name of perceived slights.

Tone

The tone of Cathedral is introspective and contemplative, as the narrator reflects on his own prejudices and limitations. The story has a hopeful undertone as the narrator learns to see the world in a new light and forms a connection with the blind man. In contrast, The Cask of Amontillado is dark and sinister, with a sense of impending doom hanging over the narrative. The tone is chilling and suspenseful as Montresor leads Fortunato to his demise with cold, calculated precision.

Conclusion

While Cathedral and The Cask of Amontillado are both compelling works of literature, they differ in their themes, characters, and tone. Cathedral explores the power of empathy and human connection, while The Cask of Amontillado delves into the darker aspects of revenge and betrayal. Both stories offer unique insights into the human psyche and the complexities of human relationships, making them timeless classics in the world of literature.