The Cask Of Amontillado Guilt

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In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Poe concocts what seems to be a perfect revenge, even though towards the fulfillment of the master plan Montresor (the main character) may have a bit of guilt about the ordeal. Montresor’s plan is an intricate one. Knowing that Fortunato is a connoisseur of fine wines he offers to taste test some while Fortunato is at a carnival. He also offers for Fortunato to stay at the carnival but that he would present the offer to his rival. Hearing this Fortunato exclaims that his rival would know Amontillado for Sherry and hastens to taste the wine. Using Fortunato’s love of wine against him Montresor leads Fortunato into Montresor’s family catacombs. Throughout the story Montresor gives Fortunato a chance to return to …show more content…

At one point Fortunato is coughing for over a minute because of the mold that is present in the old catacombs. Montresor stresses to Fortunato that he would not want to risk his health for the pursuit of wine but Fortunato exclaims that he is fine and must press on. After a long walk into the deep catacombs Montresor chained his helpless victim up to a section of the wall. Fortunato is stunned and pleas for his life. To Fortunato, there is no reason for the action and wonders what made Montresor do such a thing. All the while Montresor builds a wall around the Fortunato. At the end Fortunato exclaims “For the love of God!” and Montresor replies, “Yes, for the love of God.” Montresor then holes up the wall and as he does he say “"Requiescat in pace." (Rest in Peace) The general census is that Montresor has carried out a flawless plan and gloats that he has not been found out for over fifty years. This could be true as Montresor is on his deathbed and telling the story. The motive for the plan is only explained that Fortunato had insulted him a thousand times, and that Montresor could not absolve such offenses any longer. At one point when Fortunato asks about Montresor’s family crest he replies “Nemo me impune lacessit,“ which is Latin for “No one attacks with impunity.” This plays a part in the reason why Montresor carries out this plan; he sees Fortunato as an attacker

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