Evil Revenge
Author Edgar Allen Poe provides a view into a darker side of human nature in his short story "The Cask of Amontillado", depicting an image of evil and a sought after vengeance, through which Montresor seeks to claim. The desire for retribution is fueled by an insult issued by the "respected and even feared" Fortunado, thus igniting the hostilities that burn in his heart. Montresor deceivingly smiles and carelessly dismisses the insult but inside his heart is burning with vengeance. It is through Montresor's vow that he "must not only punish but punish with impunity." that his journey thus begins (173). While the journey is initially presented in a jovial, carnival like setting, Poe quickly leads the reader into the dark catacombs of Montresor's home, providing a realm of evil, where Montresor will seek Fortunato's death. Poe's wardrobe of Fortunato in a jesters costume seems to symbolize the characteristic light in which Montresor views him. Montresor's true vengeful character is revealed when he convinces Fortunato to sample the Amontillado. As they make their descent through the damp, cold, nitre covered walls of doom; Montresor manipulates Fortunato by telling him he could have Luchesi
Montresor is alerted as he hears the final jingling of the bells on Fortunato's hat. He continues this facade, after hearing Fortunato's cough and telling him, "your health is precious. As each brick is placed Fortunato comes to the realization that Montresor's hatred for him will result in his slow and torturous death. The author is foreshadowing Fortunato's death at this point and Fortunato then says "Enough, the cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. The irony of this statement is that Fortunato will find his demise, not from the cough that he is afflicted with, but from the hands of Montresor. "Ha! Ha! Ha! - He! He! He! - a very good joke indeed - an excellent jest," Fortunato replies as he promptly begins to sober (177). Poe uses the bones placed in the catacombs as a representation of the revenge already inflicted on those who have wronged Montresor's family. Poe concludes this tragic story with Montresor saying "In pace requiescat" (177). This provides an example of how hatred and an unwillingness to forgive ultimately result in the destruction of character thus creating a monster. Fortunato makes one last plea "For the love of God, Montresor!" and Montresor throws these words back at him placing one last mocking insult upon the tragedy Fortunato succumbs to (177). " (175) Montresor then replies "True-true" (175). Poe represents the sickening of Montresor's heart as a small piece of evidence that his conscious is presenting itself, however Montresor quickly detaches himself from these emotional stirrings and accounts the sickening feeling to the nitre on the walls. His thoughts undoubtedly torture him as he is buried alive and he contemplates the numerous times he could have escaped this fate.
Common topics in this essay:
Cask Amontillado,
Montresor Montresor,
Fortunato Amontillado,
Ha Ha,
Allen Poe,
fangs imbedded heel,
montresor seeks,
imbedded heel,
brick placed,
death fortunato,
image evil,
irony statement,
ha ha,
fangs imbedded,
montresor's family,
fortunato's death,
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Acceptance Essays
