Student Question
Is Montresor the protagonist in "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Quick answer:
It is debatable whether or not Montresor is the protagonist in "The Cask of Amontillado." If Fortunado is the villain that Montresor claims him to be, then we can argue that, as his rival, Montresor is the protagonist. If we do not believe Montresor's claims about Fortunado, then Montresor is possibly an antagonist. Montresor can also be considered an antihero, as he is a central character who lacks the noble qualities typical of a hero.
It is given that Montresor is the narrator of Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Cask of Amontillado," but his role beyond that of the narrator is debatable. There are several possible interpretations of the part he plays in the narrative.
Montresor's reliability as a fair narrator is questionable, as he does not ever elaborate on what Fortunado did to him to deserve such a grim fate. He vaguely states that Fortunado insulted and injured him multiple times, but he does specify why he hates Fortunado enough to lure him to his death.
Montresor can be considered a protagonist. He is certainly the central character of the story, and if we take him at his word that Fortunado is a villain, the argument can be made that Montresor is the protagonist.
If we choose not to believe Montresor and Fortunado is not, in fact, the villain Montresor claims him to be, then Montresor can be viewed as an antagonist who premeditates and carries out an evil plan to kill an innocent man.
Another possible role of Montresor's in the story is an antihero. An antihero is a main character who does not possess the noble qualities typical of a hero. Montresor plays a central role and lacks heroic characteristics. His need for revenge and cunning, manipulative actions are not typical of a hero.
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.