Montresor Revenge Analysis

654 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The cask of amontillado symbolism

Revenge is a powerful tool used by many to do irrational things, it gives them motive and drive to do something that might seem illogical. For Montresor the protagonist in Edgar Allan Poe’s “ The Cask of Amontillado” the drive of revenge brought him to kill a man named Fortunato who had injured him a thousand times and insulted the Montresor Family name. Revenge can be one of the strongest forms of motivation for a person to do evil things for a personal satisfaction. Montresor expertly plans his revenge by controlling himself and not acting on impulse knowing that the final outcome of all his meticulous planning will bring him a greater satisfaction. On the very first page, Montresor says that he must be careful not to be caught exacting …show more content…

Montresor starts by luring Fortunato away from the carnaval saying that he has bought a pipe of Amontillado, and also using Fortunato’s pride against him. He says that he is looking for Luchesi to taste and verify if Montresor had bought real Amontillado, Montresor saying that he would get Luchesi to taste this rare wine insults Fortunato increasing his want to taste the Amontillado making him less rational. Also Montresor geniously chooses to draw Fortunato away during the carnival so no one will notice that he went missing, or when he went missing. Montresor brings Fortunato back to his mansion which is vacant of anyone to say that Fortunato was at Montresor’s estate. The two of them go down to the catacombs where Montresor says the wine is, it takes a while for the two to reach the vault where the wine is supposedly stored. All the while they are walking Montresor is giving Fortunato wine to get him drunk and easier to chain up. Once they reach the place where the wine is stored, Fortunato is quite drunk and does not notice Montresor putting him in chains. Montresor builds a wall with no door to lock Fortunato in the catacombs forever, finally completing Montresor’s plan of getting revenge on Fortunato. Throughout “The Cask of Amontillado” the theme of revenge is displayed, from the meticulous planning to the carrying out of his plans. The feeling of being done wrong and wanting revenge motivated Montresor

Show More
Related

  • Similarities Between Hamlet And The Cask Of Amontillado

    965 Words  | 2 Pages

    Montresor is a man who feels pride in himself and in his family, so when Fortunato—an acquaintance of Montresor— “venture[s] upon insult,” Montresor “vow[s] revenge” against him (1). Montresor hastily decides that he must kill Fortunato, even though his use of the word “venture” implies that Fortunato had not yet insulted him, but nearly did. Montresor’s impulsive need for revenge causes him to formulate a plan to murder his acquaintance. He keeps Fortunato intoxicated by “presenting him…[with] wine,” he “fetter[s] him to the granite,” and he “plaster[s] up… [a wall of] new masonry” to trap Fortunato in the catacombs (39, 71, 89). All of these acts are signs that the need for revenge has made Fortunato insane. A person who has any sense of morals would not commit crimes such as Montresor’s. His impetuous decision to exact revenge caused him to lose his

    Read More

  • Montresor in The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

    630 Words  | 2 Pages

    Most killers do it for money. Others for jealousy, but not Montresor, at first glance he did it for revenge but as he reveals himself one realizes its self obsession. His crafty and enduring composure gives him all the tools needs for a perfect retribution.

    Read More

  • The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

    823 Words  | 2 Pages

    In “The Cask of Amontillado”, Montresor made up in his mind that he would carry out his act of revenge on Fortunato. Whatever offense Fortunato committed against Montresor drove him to the brink. The hatred inside was somewhat poetic. Montresor schemed to every detail how to carry out his revenge. The setting of the story is a dark, gloomy night at a celebration during carnival season. Montresor would be detailed in describing the monetary status of his enemy, his wardrobe or costume he wore to the celebration. He would set the mood as cheerful. Despite the ill feelings he has towards the now drunken Fortunato, Montresor pretends to care for his company to lure him towards his cunning plan. He strokes Fortunato’s ego and his love for wine to draw him towards the cellar. The dark, damp halls, the claustrophobia, and the human skeletons lying about the earth were all a foreshadowing of Motresor’s plan for the drunken Fortunato. It enhanced suspense to the story, building up to the climax which would be Fortunato entering into his grave. As they further enter the hal...

    Read More

  • The Revenge of the Cask of Amontillado

    1274 Words  | 3 Pages

    The author introduces the readers to the narrator who is known as Montresor when he is talking to an unknown audience. In the course of the discussion with the unknown audience, Montresor attests to the fact that Fortunato, who is a close friend of his has morally insulted. Due to the moral insult labeled against him, Montresor intends to revenge. “Part of Montresor's vengeance plan, however, is to ensure that he does not expose himself neither to Fortunato nor to the society at large” (Johnson et.al, 8). To this effect, he does not let open the ill feelings that he harbors against Fortunato. Montresor asserts to the fact that he would consider his vengeance plan a failure if at all Fortunato found out and exerted revenge. That notwithstanding though, he says that he would let Fortunato know that he is the mastermind of all his misfortunes when he will be satisfied that his vengeance plan will not backfire.

    Read More

  • Use Of Dramatic Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado

    525 Words  | 2 Pages

    He uses the precise and cunning tactics to seek revenge against his acquaintance, Fortunato, but wishes to do so in a clever way that he will not get caught. He tells Fortunato that he has obtained a wine that could be Amontillado, but he does not invite Fortunato into his home. He knows Fortunato would never pass up an opportunity to test his intelligence knowledge of wine. By that way, Montresor can complete his plan without putting himself responsible.

    Read More

  • Treachery And Revenge In Edgar Allane Poe's The Cask Of Amontillado

    1560 Words  | 4 Pages

    He did not show even by words that he is going to kill. Also, he did not let Fortunato to know that he intended any grudge against him “..neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will... He did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation (8-10).” One night while Fortunato was drunk, Montresor told him that he bought a barrel of wine called Amontillado “But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts (25).” He understood that Fortunato “prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine (12).” He attracted him to going to his house to check the drink by saying that he might invite Luchresi to do it, a seeming rival of Fortunato 's, instead “As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchresi. If any one has a critical turn it is he. He will tell me (37-38).” When they left, Montresor put on a mask and quickly took the way to his property. He was sure nobody could see them together on Fortunato 's last night. Moreover, Montresor completely knew Fortunato and used the knowledge versus him. He planned his deed carefully and carried it out slowly. It seems that Montresor anticipated his revenge with joy. While they traveled down the cavern, Montresor gives Fortunato many opportunities to leave. Fortunato looks weak against the niter, which is growing on the walls, and repeatedly coughs. Montresor commented on Fortunato 's health and asked

    Read More

  • Literary Comparison Theme

    1532 Words  | 4 Pages

    In The Cask of Amontillado, the theme of revenge is established at the start of the story, when the narrator states that he suffered irreversible insult by his associate, Fortunato, thus he vowed to avenge this action. This is evident in the following statement in the opening paragraph of the story, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge” (Poe 7). Therefore, it is apparent to the reader from the onset of the story that revenge is a major driving force for Montresor for him to dreadfully murder his acquaintance,...

    Read More

  • Irony In The Cask Of Amontillado Essay

    1292 Words  | 3 Pages

    Revenge is the opportunity to retaliate or gain satisfaction for a real or perceived slight ("revenge"). In “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, Montresor, the narrator, is out for revenge. Montressor seeks revenge against Fortunato and thinks he has developed the perfect plan for “revenge with impunity” (Baym). Montresor never tells the reader why he feels Fortunato deserves punishment. He only says that Fortunato causes him “a thousand injuries”until “[venturing] upon insult” (Baym ?). As a result, Montresor plans to bury Fortunato alive.

    Read More

  • Montresor Character Analysis Essay

    431 Words  | 1 Pages

    Have you ever met someone so clever, determined, and cruel to leave a man to die over an insult? Montresor is the perfect example of these character traits. In “The Cask of Amontillado”, by Edgar Allan Poe, Montresor uses all of these character traits to get revenge on Fortunado for insulting his family name. Montresor’s clever planning, determination for revenge, and cruel murder are the perfect combination for his unequaled revenge.

    Read More

  • Theme of Revenge in Poe's 'The Cask Of Amontillado'

    1382 Words  | 3 Pages

    The perfect revenge is an action so many scorned have attempted and what so many more have lusted after. Apt punishment for the offender, success without being discovered and fulfillment without regret are all elements for satisfactory vengeance. All were present in "The Cask of Amontillado." However, despite Montresor's actions seeming to be perfect, he does not fulfill the criteria for flawless revenge. Poe doesn't quite allow readers to feel convinced of his main character's peace of mind. Subtle indications are strewn throughout the story that suggest otherwise. Though Montresor intended to cleanse his honor of Fortunato's insults, it may very well be that he only succeeded in creating, for himself, a guilty conscience, forever depriving himself of the sweetness of revenge.

    Read More

  • Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado

    614 Words  | 2 Pages

    Poe's, The Cask of Amontillado is a story about fear and revenge. The story begins with Montressor's vow of revenge, foreshadowing future actions. "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could; but when he ventured upon insult vowed revenge..." Montressor had to be sure not to raise suspicion of what he was going to do Fortunato. Montressor knew that Fortunato had a weakness that he could use towards his advantage.

    Read More

  • Revenge, Insanity, Murder & Poe

    1330 Words  | 3 Pages

    Carefully, cautiously the Montresor plotted precisely how he would exact revenge upon Fortunato. Much time and great energy was devoted to this plan, selecting a time that would be best: during carnival when the town would be celebratory, his servants apt to run off and join the celebration, when the two could silently disappear without notice or question. No detail is forgotten; he allows for no deterrents. He follows through with such a confidence that never does he stumble or hesitate in carrying out his plan. The Montresor indicates that he had never given. To continue with this ploy, he even goes so far as to express false concern for Fortunato as they pass through the catacombs. Blaming the nitre and damp, the Montresor suggests that they turn back as not to compromise Fortunato’s ill health, though he has no intent of doing so. Never once until the very end did Fortunato have cause to suspect that there were any foul plans afoot.

    Read More

  • Importance of Setting in The Cask of Amontillado and Hills Like White Elephants

    769 Words  | 2 Pages

    Clearly, Fortunato is intoxicated because he is having a merry time at the carnival. Upon meeting, Montressor takes advantage of Fortunato’s excessive drinking in that he will be taking revenge on Fortunato on that night. Therefore, the carnival setting emphasizes on the theme of revenge. Montressor takes benefit from the catacombs setting, where he uses deception against Fortunato:

    Read More

  • Comparing the Narration of The Cask of Amontillado and The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe

    1322 Words  | 3 Pages

    In "Cask of Amontillado", Montresor is the narrator. "The thousand of injuries of Fortunato he has borne as he best could; but when he ventures upon insult, Montresor vows revenge" (Poe 528). As the story unfolds, "Montresor's idea of perfect revenge" is "characteristically precise and logical in detail" as to how he commits his crime (Delaney 1).

    Read More

  • The Theme of Revenge in “The Cask of Amontillado”

    1638 Words  | 4 Pages

    The theme of revenge in “The Cask of Amontillado” is the driving force for the entire short story. The main character, Montresor, vows to take revenge against the other main character, Fortunato, because of an “insult” that Fortunato has apparently made against Montresor (Baraban). This is evident in the opening line of the short story when the narrator Montresor states, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge (Poe 1612). This opening line makes it obvious that the insult is what directly led to Montresor’s insatiable desire for revenge, but there are also some underlying factors that could have indirectly led to this revenge as well.

    Read More

More about Montresor Revenge Analysis

Open Document