The Cask of the Amontillado By Edgar Allan Poe Analysis

What would one expect when insult gets carried away and leads to revenge? Edgar Allan Poe, an american writer during the 19th century famous for short stories and tales of mysteries, introduces readers on a journey of how to get revenge on an enemy in the short story The Cask of the Amontillado. The two main characters, Monstressor, a manipulative and vengeful character, and Fortunato, a respectful and fearful man, got fooled to his death due to a simple mistake over a name insult. Poe using the setting of the carnival is a great time to carry out both revenge and murder leads the readers to physically think about what will happen in the story. Therefore, the setting of catacombs are essential for Monstessor’s character and revenge to be carried out.

Fortunato, an innocent carefree man is perceived to have committed several wrongdoings. He is described to also be strong and a man to be feared. However, his weakness for alcohol, particularly wine, makes him an easy target for revenge, a feared man turned to being fearful himself. Wine, like all alcohol, affects people in different ways. This supposed image of a man to be feared seems to melt away a little as the drink loosens him up, making him more pleasant and friendly, approachable even, a contrast of what a feared person would be. This can be highlighted in Fortunato's interaction with Montresor. Poe writes that Montresor met with Fortunato and notes, "he spoke to me more warmly than was usual, for already he had drunk more wine than was good for him." This to be feared man seemed to be the opposite in his drunken state, making it easy for Montresor to take advantage and implement his revenge. Montresor did not fear Fortunato like some may have. Likewise, Montressor is the evil villian that needs to be watched for his actions. According to Poe Montressor says “I would make him pay yes, but I would act only with the greatest care. I must not suffer as a result of taking my revenge" (P1).  This reinforces Monstresor taking revenge on Fortunato, having him pay for his wrong doings. Montresor's malice can be further detailed when Poe writes, " I continued to smile in his face, and he did not understand that I was now smiling at the thought of what I planned for him, at the thought of my revenge" (P1) . This proves how dedicated Montressor is to revenge as that seems to be the only thing on his mind. To enact his revenge, Montresor has to pick the perfect spot, the catacombs. 

Montresor desires to kill Fortunato in the catacombs because of the burial environment causing Fortunato to think twice about insults. Specifically, Montresor has begun seeking revenge with impunity as Fortunato insulted his name. According to Poe “It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself feel as such to him who has done the wrong” (P1). Specifically, Poe mentions giving severe punishment to fortunato is a threat and will do anything in his power to frighten Fortunato for his wrong doing. Therefore, Poe showcasing the carnival In the very beginning to represent happiness throws Fortunato off guard due to intoxication and gives revenge a chance to develop thoroughly. In addition, the issue of Fortunato's health tries to get fooled into play when in reality Monstressor could care less. Monstressor describe Fortunato as a respected, admiring, loving happy man, but then all of a sudden being ill is not a responsible concern. Monstressor knows exactly that health is not a concern when passing by a pile of skeleton bones laying in large piles against the walls with the stones being wet and cold. Furthermore, the revenge for Fortunato was premeditated, carefully planned, and implemented, not just a spur of the moment of lashing out. For instance, before Fortunato knew what was going on the door was shut tight so that escape was not an option. The stone wall began to build higher covering Fortunato’s body, completely caved in alive, causing fear and denial of what was happening. Though Montresor set up this event, showing the urge of revenge at the end claims emotions of  heart sickness.