The Cask of Amontillado Summary
In the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, a man named Montresor describes his revenge against his friend Fortunato, who did him “a thousand injuries.”
-
In Italy during Carnival, Montresor tells Fortunato that he has obtained some rare Amontillado wine and invites him back to his cellar to appraise it.
-
After luring a drunken Fortunato into his family’s catacombs, Montresor chains Fortunato to a wall and bricks up the opening. Fortunato screams, but Montresor only mocks him.
- Fortunato’s body remains undiscovered for fifty years.
Summary
The Cask of Amontillado Summary
Montresor’s Vow of Revenge
The story begins with Montresor, the narrator, declaring that he has endured countless “injuries” from his friend Fortunato but has resolved to seek revenge after being insulted. Set during Carnival season in an unnamed Italian town, Montresor’s narrative is addressed to an unidentified listener who supposedly knows him well.
The Encounter
Montresor meets Fortunato, who is dressed as a jester and already intoxicated. He tells Fortunato about a rare wine, Amontillado, and invites him to his palazzo to verify its authenticity. Fortunato, who prides himself on his wine expertise, eagerly agrees, dismissing Montresor’s suggestion to consult another connoisseur, Luchesi.
The Descent into the Catacombs
Montresor leads Fortunato to his wine cellar, located in his family’s catacombs. He informs the reader that his servants will not be present, having deliberately ordered them not to leave, knowing they would disobey him. Along the way, the men stop to drink other wines, including Medoc and De Grave. The damp catacombs are lined with bones, and the walls are coated with a white substance, which Montresor identifies as nitre.
Fortunato’s Suspicion and Montresor’s Motives
As they journey deeper into the catacombs, Fortunato begins coughing violently from the nitre’s effects. Montresor feigns concern but continues to lure him onward. The two briefly discuss Montresor’s family crest, which depicts a foot crushing a serpent with the motto, “No one harms me with impunity.” The conversation turns to freemasonry, and Montresor, claiming to be a mason, produces a trowel, hinting at his sinister plan.
The Trap
They arrive at a niche in the catacombs, where Montresor tricks Fortunato into stepping inside. Before Fortunato realizes what is happening, Montresor chains him to the wall. Montresor then reveals his hidden materials and begins to seal the niche with stones and mortar, intending to bury Fortunato alive.
Fortunato’s Pleas
At first, Fortunato, still somewhat intoxicated, believes this is a joke and laughs nervously. As the reality of his situation sets in, he screams and pleads for Montresor to stop. He makes a final, desperate cry: “For the love of God, Montresor!” Montresor remains unmoved, completing the wall and dropping a torch into the niche before placing the last stone.
The Final Resting Place
Montresor reveals that Fortunato’s body has remained undisturbed for fifty years. He concludes his tale with the Latin phrase, “In pace requiescat,” meaning “rest in peace,” a chilling and ironic end to his act of vengeance.
Expert Q&A
What are the eight key events in "The Cask of Amontillado" in chronological order?
The eight key events in "The Cask of Amontillado" in chronological order are: Montresor invites Fortunato to taste Amontillado, leads him into the vaults, offers Medoc to fortify against dampness, continues through ominous catacombs, chains Fortunato to a wall, matches his screams, finishes the wall as Fortunato pleads, and hears only jingly bells as he places the final stone.
How did Poe's personal life influence the character traits in "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Edgar Allan Poe's personal life heavily influenced the character traits in "The Cask of Amontillado." His experiences of loss, feelings of being wronged, and dark worldview are reflected in the story's themes of revenge and murder. Poe's poem "Alone" reveals his sense of isolation and seeing darkness in the world, which aligns with Montressor's detached and vengeful nature. Additionally, Poe's need for financial support drove him to write popular horror stories, incorporating his personal struggles.
How does your knowledge of Poe and real events influence your interpretation of "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Understanding Edgar Allan Poe's background and real-life events enhances the interpretation of "The Cask of Amontillado." Poe was inspired by a newspaper article about a skeleton found in a wall, which influenced the story's premise. Known for sensationalism, Poe wrote violent tales like this one because they were popular and profitable. Writing was challenging financially due to a lack of copyright laws, so Poe focused on themes that captivated and sold well to the public.
How is "The Cask of Amontillado" typical of Poe's brief prose tale theory?
Who is the author of "The Cask of Amontillado" and what is his biography?
The author of "The Cask of Amontillado" is Edgar Allan Poe. Poe's life was marked by tragedy and hardship. Orphaned early, he was raised by the wealthy Allan family. Despite attending good schools, Poe developed a gambling habit that strained his relationship with his foster father. He briefly attended West Point but was dismissed. Poe married his cousin, faced criticism for his lifestyle, and struggled financially. His works, however, remain influential for their psychological depth and exploration of the human psyche.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
