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
However, Montresor’s true character is indicated through his words. “He had a weak point-this Fortunato-although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared” (149). Fortunato was friendly and helpful towards Montresor. His vengeful nature made him unable to rethink the evil deed he had just committed. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy as once I was. ” However, there were never any insults or unkind acts actually mentioned in the story. First he caters to Fortunato’s ego by saying that Luchesi was almost as worthy a judge of wine as he (150). It can only be assumed that he trusts him because he follows him into the catacombs. Montresor addresses Fortunato in the catacombs saying, “your health is precious. When they finally reach their destination, Montresor shackles him to the wall, constructs a tomb around him using bricks, and leaves him there to die. There is not any indication of what Fortunato thinks about Montresor. nd his head [is] surmounted by the conical cap and bells” (149). Then Montresor tricks Fortunato into believing that there is an expensive pipe of wine in the depths of his catacombs. It is up until the last moment, before the last brick is laid, that Fortunato believes this is all a joke. From the very beginning of the story, one can obviously see that Mo!ntresor thinks that Fortunato has wronged him.
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Acceptance Essays
