poe
Theme Analysis of “The Cask of Amontillado”In “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allen Poe, the dark side of human nature is exemplified through the character of Montresor and his victim, Fortunato. Montresor is a manipulative and vengeful person. These characteristics lead to the death of Fortunato, a man who has wronged him. Through the acts, words, and the thoughts of Montressor, one is able to see him carry out his plan for revenge. The story takes place in Italy at a carnival where Montresor and Fortunato meet each other by chance, or so it is seems. The mood at the carnival is lively and exciting. It is then that the two men head towards the catacombs of Montresor’s home in search of the wine Amontillado. The catacombs are a place of death where skeletons lie scattered against the damp walls, which are covered in nitre. Montresor dons a “mask of black silk” and a heavy knee length cloak (149). Montresor’s clothes seem to indicate his wanting to conceal himself so he can carry out his devious plan. On the other side of the spectrum, Fortunato wears a “tight fitting parti-striped dress, a
His clothing seems to indicate his trusting but foolish nature. Then Montresor tricks Fortunato into believing that there is an expensive pipe of wine in the depths of his catacombs. The final lines definitely show the success of Montresor’s plan. Montresor is also manipulative, as he tells Fortunato that he will have someone else taste the Amontillado, knowing that by doing this Fortunato will feel compelled to taste the wine himself. In addition to being manipulative and vengeful he also displays condescending traits. Montresor addresses Fortunato in the catacombs saying, “your health is precious. One of the first things that Montresor narrates to the reader about Fortunato is that he “…must not only punish but punish with impunity” (149). Then tier by tier, Montresor constructed Fortunato’s tomb of bricks around him. This line shows that Montresor’s plan was well thought out. He lures Fortunato into the catacombs of his home to carry out his plans. He succeeds in having Fortunato follow him into the catacombs and with great ease, had him up against the wall and shackled. It can only be assumed that he trusts him because he follows him into the catacombs. He succeeded in taking someone’s life without ever revealing his true dark side. Montresor is successful in his plan for vengeance. There is not any indication of what Fortunato thinks about Montresor.
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Acceptance Essays
