Is there oxymoron in the story Cask of by Edgar Allan Poe?

While there aren't any *explicit* oxymorons in the text of "The Cask of Amontillado," the story itself is rife with irony, which often creates a similar effect to an oxymoron. Here's how:

* Montresor's "friendship" with Fortunato: The entire plot hinges on Montresor's feigned concern for Fortunato, pretending to be a good friend while plotting his demise. This is the ultimate irony, as the act of "friendship" masks the true intention of betrayal and murder.

* Fortunato's "good humor" and "foolishness": Fortunato's pride and desire to be seen as a connoisseur of wine, even when clearly ill, makes him vulnerable to Montresor's manipulations. His "good humor" is ironic because it ultimately leads to his demise.

* The "cask" itself: The "cask" of Amontillado, the supposed reason for Fortunato's journey, becomes a symbol of deception and a tool for entrapment. The "treasure" promised is a false lure, leading Fortunato into his own demise.

Therefore, while not literal oxymorons, the story is rich in ironic situations and language, which serve a similar purpose of creating jarring juxtapositions and highlighting the dark humor of the events.

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