“A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.”(Poe).
Poe’s short story, “The Cask of Amontillado” presents the revenge plot of main character Montresor against Fortunato. The story is told through Montresor’s first person point of view, making the account very untrustworthy. His account is sketchy partially because of his unwavering hate towards Fortunato, as well as his obviously psychologically damaged demeanor.
In the beginning of the story, Montresor lays out his plans for revenge against Fortunato , yet he does not state what it is exactly he did to warrant revenge, only going as far as to say he “ventured upon insult”. Without this piece of knowledge, the audience does not know whether or not his attack is merited. Yet is death really a suitable punishment for whatever Fortuanto did?
Montresor’s psychological damage is evident by his rash decision to kill Fortunato. First he manipulates Montresor to going into the vault, by telling him of the amontillado that lay within and telling him that he does not want to trouble him by going down there. He even falsely seems to care about his welfare “It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I perceive you are afflicted.” Montresor even seems to grow crazier as he continues through the catacombs as his “own fancy [grows] warm with the Medoc.” As he lays down the masonry to kill Fortunato, he shows no remorse in his actions, and continues to build the wall. He even lets him suffocate underneath the masonry, as Fortunato cries out for his life. These actions show the true unreliability of Montresor’s character and that his actions are clouded by his evident madness.
Yet a hint of humanity is exposed at the end after Fortunato’s death, when he says “ In pace requiescat!”. He wants him to rest in peace, signaling the fact that he no longer wants Montresor to suffer for his misdeeds.
Poe’s short story, “The Cask of Amontillado” presents the revenge plot of main character Montresor against Fortunato. The story is told through Montresor’s first person point of view, making the account very untrustworthy. His account is sketchy partially because of his unwavering hate towards Fortunato, as well as his obviously psychologically damaged demeanor.
In the beginning of the story, Montresor lays out his plans for revenge against Fortunato , yet he does not state what it is exactly he did to warrant revenge, only going as far as to say he “ventured upon insult”. Without this piece of knowledge, the audience does not know whether or not his attack is merited. Yet is death really a suitable punishment for whatever Fortuanto did?
Montresor’s psychological damage is evident by his rash decision to kill Fortunato. First he manipulates Montresor to going into the vault, by telling him of the amontillado that lay within and telling him that he does not want to trouble him by going down there. He even falsely seems to care about his welfare “It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I perceive you are afflicted.” Montresor even seems to grow crazier as he continues through the catacombs as his “own fancy [grows] warm with the Medoc.” As he lays down the masonry to kill Fortunato, he shows no remorse in his actions, and continues to build the wall. He even lets him suffocate underneath the masonry, as Fortunato cries out for his life. These actions show the true unreliability of Montresor’s character and that his actions are clouded by his evident madness.
Yet a hint of humanity is exposed at the end after Fortunato’s death, when he says “ In pace requiescat!”. He wants him to rest in peace, signaling the fact that he no longer wants Montresor to suffer for his misdeeds.
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