Jane Gomez 4/22/00 Thesis: The depression and hardships experienced by Edgar Allan Poe during his lifetime led to reoccurring themes of death and Goth in many of his short stories. I. “The Cask of Amontillado” A. Premeditated murder is the theme of “The Cask of Amontillado”. 1. Montresor has a deep hatred for Fortunato. 2. Fortunato plans to kills Montresor. B. The setting of “The Cask of Amontillado” leads to feeling of Goth in the story. 1. The catacombs of Fortunato’s home lead to the place of death. 2. Death is a major component of Gothicism. II . “The Masque of Red Death” A. Death is the theme of this short story. 1. Everyone at the pa