The Cask of Amontillado Group

Question:

tammy9000
tammy9000
Student
High School - 9th Grade

What does the narrators smiling at the thought of Fortunato´s death tell you about his character?

this happens more or less at the beginning of the story

pls help me!! :s

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Posted by tammy9000 on Wednesday November 26, 2008 at 3:07 PM and tagged with fortunatos death, narrator, smiling, the cask of amontillado.

Answers:

  1. pmiranda2857
    pmiranda2857 Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    "It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause 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." (Poe)

    Montresor is determined to keep his real intentions well guarded behind a smile of friendship.  He does not want to reveal any of his anger or true feelings to Fortunato.  He does not want to tip him off that there is anything other than friendship between them.  

    His smile hides his deep hatred of Fortunato, the smile is significant because it indicates that Montresor has no feelings regarding taking Fortunato's life.  He has set in motion a premeditated murder.  His ability to pretend, is cold and calculating, it ties in with Poe's setting of the story, the whole carnival atmosphere and the wearing of costumes. 

    He has thought of a plan, a way to get Fortunato to walk to his own death without any struggle, no ordeal, no violence.  He will lure him into the catacombs with the temptation of a rare Amontillado, a rare wine, very special.  He uses Fortunato's reputation as a connoisseur of fine wine to get his cooperation.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/characters
    http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/summary
    http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/themes

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    Posted by pmiranda2857 on Wednesday November 26, 2008 at 3:34 PM