A cold dish: "The cask of Amontillado"
             The story of "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe is full of conflict from beginning to end. The narrator of this story does not reveal why such a conflict exists other than to say someone has impugned his honor. Montressor makes a vow of revenge against Fortunato with no hint as to what the insults are. Before this story begins, Montressor is setting his plot into action against Fortunato. Through point of view, characterization, and style, we see how these elements establish the conflict.
             The point of view in "The Cask of Amontillado" is first person unreliable narrator. We are led to believe the narrator of this tale is Montressor some fifty years after his crime against Fortunato. The telling of Montressor's story is biased and egotistical. The narrator does not tell an accurate account of events, but tells his own version which leads the reader to believe the narrator is untrustworthy. It is a known concept that time changes events in our memories, but what Montressor wants us to see is his own views and ideas. We are to presume that Montressor's version is clear and precise when in fact, this version is prejudiced. We, the reader, are expected to express concern and acceptance for his decisions on the night of Fortunato's death, but we view Montressor as a malicious, merciless, and ruthless man to kill with such aloofness. Fortunato did not deserve death for an insult he was unaware of, and Montressor's view of Fortunato is contemptuous.
             Although point of view is significant in the analysis of "The Cask of Amontillado," characterization is an essential building block as well. The characterization of Montressor begins by revealing him as a callous and bitter man. In the beginning, Montressor is feeling the need to take vengeance against Fortunato. Fortunato does not hear of these insults from Montresso...