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1. 
   jamie-wheeler Teacher
   College - Sophomore

   There really isn't a reason ever given for Montressor's hatred of Fortunado. This is what makes the tale all the more compelling and puzzling.

   Some critics feel that Fortunado embodies all that is repugnant about the middle class aspiring to be elite. Fortunado's snobbishniss about wines, for example, illustrates this principle. He may be the unfortunate, physical target of Montressor's animosity.

   Others feel that there simply is no basis other than the fact that Montressor is crazy. The catacombs may represent and the descent into darkness reflects his own warped thinking and pure evil.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado

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   Posted by jamie-wheeler on Friday May 4, 2007 at 10:37 AM
   
   

2. 
   jdellinger Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   The insult Fortunato made upon Montresor was never explained. The reader only knows that he made some sort of insult which deeply offended Montresor, and he therefore held a grudge. Because the story is told by Montresor we only know his point of view. Perhaps if Fortunato told the story, the reader would know more.
   "The story is narrated by Montresor, who carries a grudge against Fortunato for an offense that is never explained." Montresor does explain that Fortunato had insulted him before .... " He explains that he had borne "the thousand injuries of Fortunato," but finally Fortunato went too far, and he devised a plan for revenge."

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/104

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   Posted by jdellinger on Friday May 4, 2007 at 10:39 AM