Introduction Writers rely on numerous devices to convey ideas to the audience. Some of them are easy to spot, while others require certain reading skills to be deciphered. The stories under focus are “Razor” by Vladimir Nabokov and “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. Both readings are short stories with extensive use of literary devices to help the reader understand the message of the stories and the intention of its writers. Particularly, three literary elements are present in “Razor” and “The Cask of Amontillado”. They are the protagonist, the theme, and the symbol. Although on the surface, it may appear that it is evident how they are utilized, it is necessary to delve into the actual stories to see and appreciate their full complexity. Understanding what constitutes the protagonist, the theme, and the symbol is essential in ascertaining how Poe and Nabokov use these literary elements in their “The Cask of Amantilado” and “Razor”, respectively. Body Both stories have protagonists, which are similar and different at the same time. Initially, the protagonist is the main character of the story. They represent the vessel through which the reader gets acquainted with the conflict, becomes engaged and emotionally interested. Usually, the protagonist changes over the course of the story. However, this is not a prerequisite as the main character can be static without any actual development. Still, it has to be the character around whom the story revolves. “The Cask of Amontillado” makes use of a static protagonist who does not experience any growth. Poe introduces Montresor in the very first sentences of the story, which also sets up the main conflict: “the thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge” (1). This quote is used because it showcases Montresor as bitter, cold, and revengeful. Montresor develops and fulfills an elaborate plan to take revenge on his insulter. If there is remorse in him, it is hidden so deep that he is not able to acknowledge it – the same way he was not capable of stating his thoughts to Fortunato at the beginning, thus, showing the lack of change. Nabokov’s protagonist, Ivanov, is also a calculating and resentful man, who unlike Montresor, manages to grow. His emotional state at the beginning is similar to Montresor’s: “like a tightly coiled spring, vengeance lurked, biding its time, within his soul” (Nabokov 1). He also gets a chance at taking revenge on his torturer. However, unlike Montresor, he does not kill his victim but rather releases his long-contained hatred by recounting the details of his torture to his former tormenter. Then he says: “that will do for you, I’m satisfied. You may leave” (3). This way, Ivanov overcame and rose above his dark temptation, whereas Montresor succumbed. Both stories have the same theme – actions have consequences. Essentially, the theme is what the story is about. It is the central idea of the story that the writer wanted to convey. It does not have to be singular – themes can intertwine and combine together to form a deeper meaning. Although the overall theme of “The Cask of Amontillado” and “Razor” is the same, the stories also endorse other messages. T