illustration of Fortunato standing in motley behind a mostly completed brick wall with a skull superimposed on the wall where his face should be

The Cask of Amontillado

by Edgar Allan Poe

Start Free Trial

Discussion Topic

Montresor's feelings toward those who have wronged him

Summary:

Montresor harbors deep resentment and a desire for revenge against those who have wronged him. His feelings are intense and calculated, leading him to meticulously plan and execute his vengeance, as seen in his actions throughout "The Cask of Amontillado."

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

What can be concluded about Montresor's feelings toward those who have allegedly wronged him?

In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," Montresor's feelings toward those who have allegedly wronged him are best described as answer "C": wrongdoers must be punished and wrong must be avenged. We can reach this conclusion by examining the opening of the story, in which Montresor rants about the "thousand injuries" that he has endured as a result of Fortunato's behavior and the "insult" which finally caused him to vow revenge. We never receive more information about what these offenses were; rather, Montresor simply asserts that he must "punish with impunity" and do so without any consequences for himself, as "[a] wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser." Thus, despite all lack of logic or clearly articulated rationale, Montresor lures Fortunato to his wine cellar and effectively kills the inebriated man by paving a wall of stone and mortar around him.

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.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Last Updated on