The Cask of Amontillado Group

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fabian25
fabian25

'Yes', I said, 'for the love of God!' What does Montresor mean by these words in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

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Posted by fabian25 on Thursday June 25, 2009 at 2:32 AM and tagged with for the love of god!, montresor, the cask of amontillado, theme.

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  1. engtchr5 Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Montresor sees his malicious act as a righteous and just one; he feels that the slow and cruel murder in this story is justified due to the victim's perceived misdeed against him. This explains his use of God's name while carrying out his action. This line of thought also points to the irony/symbolism behind Fortunato's name -- he is anything but fortunate, and in this story, he meets his "fortune" through the act in the catacombs. This psychological thriller is probably one of Poe's best known works, as it plays upon human fear and depravity. Claustrophobia is a very real psychological condition, and this story very much exploits that rational fear in the reader.

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

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    Posted by engtchr5 on Thursday June 25, 2009 at 4:07 AM

  2. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    This response from Montresor is enigmatic, for sure. We know he is mentally unbalanced, but surely even he does not believe he is murdering Fortunato as a reflection of his love for God! Montresor's response may be his mocking Fortunato, making fun of his fear, and enjoying his victim's terror.

    If we want to really make much of what he says, consider some of the religious elements in the story. Montresor has lured Fortunato into the catacombs where persecuted Christians sought refuge and where many of their bones still rested.

    Some analysis of the story (http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/themes) points out that Fortunato is chained to the wall standing up, taking on the figure of crucifixion and that Montresor walls him up in a small space, similar to the tomb where the crucified body of Jesus was laid. Is Fortunato's death a profane sacrifice? Does the insane Montresor see himself as exercising godlike power? Perhaps.

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

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    Posted by mshurn on Thursday June 25, 2009 at 4:22 AM