Pride Can Be a Fatal Trait

Sometimes a personšs pride can overshadow their good judgment, in turn effecting their actions. The result of this over zealous pride can mean death for the person. In Edgar Allen Poešs łThe Cask of Amontillado˛, Fortunato is a prime example. Through his own desire to show his skill as a wine connoisseur, he causes his own demise.

Fortunatošs pride becomes evident when he and Montresor first meet. When Fortunato learns of Montresoršs cask of Amontillado, he says łLuchesi cannot tell Amontillado from Sherry,˛ (pg 116) of the other connoisseur. He will not allow this other connoisseur to show him up. Fortunato had no reason to demean Luchesi except to keep his own pride intact. He continues throughout the story to demean the skills of Luchesi for the sole purpose of making himself look more skilled.

Fortunatošs good judgment is also

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He insists that he is fine, and furthermore, asks for more alcohol.

There are times when a personšs pride can overshadow their good judgment, in turn effecting their actions. Fortunato is given his last flight chance when Montresor suggests that the nitre has grown too thick for them to proceed. Montresor offers him one final chance to turn back. Once again Fortunatošs good judgment is overshadowed by his pride. He falls right into the trap set by Montresor. Several times it was Fortunato that urges Montresor to take him to the Amontillado pipe. I perceive you have an engagement,˛ (pg 117) Fortunato is quick to respond that he has no engagement. In fact, several times during the story Montresor offers a way out for Fortunato but Fortunatošs pride wouldnšt allow him to give up. Still Fortunato turns down any plan to return to Montresoršs palazzo. He his desperate to reach the casks and see if it really is Amontillado.

Approximate Word count = 593
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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