Montresor in The Cask of Amontillado
             It is sometimes said that a person who is patient, astute, and well organized can accomplish anything they put their mind to. A brief examination of Montresor in "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe, reveals him as such a person. In this story Montresor meticulously plans and commits his "friends" murder, all the while preserving himself and his reputation.
             Being patient is the power of being able to wait calmly. Montresor is indeed a patient man. He was very careful as not to arouse Fortunato's suspicions. "[Neither by work nor deed had I given Fortunato reason to doubt my good will. I continued as was my wont to smile in his face and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation.]" (432). He waited for the perfect carnival evening. He says "It was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season that I encountered my friend"(432). He knew that Fortunato would be drunk and everyone would be in costume and not able to recognize him. Montresor also allows Fortunato to further insult him by claiming he is not of the Masons. Montresor instead of getting angry simply shows Fortunato the trowel he had hidden beneath the folds of his roquelaire. To which Fortunato says, "you jest" (432). "Be it so" was Montresor's response (432). At this point it did not matter to Montresor what was said of him, it was so close to the end.
             Astuteness is when you are cunning or sly. Montresor is quite astute when he deals with people. In this story he uses reverse psychology to lure Fortunato to the catacombs by repeatedly mentioning Luchesi, who is also an expert in wines. He tells Fortunato "As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If anyone has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me____" in which Fortunato cuts in and says "Luchesi cannot tell Am...