Student Question
What does Montresor mean when he says Fortunato is a quack in painting and gemmary, but sincere in old wines?
Quick answer:
Montresor describes Fortunato as a "quack" in painting and gemmary, meaning he pretends to have expertise in these areas without real knowledge. However, Montresor acknowledges Fortunato's genuine expertise in wines, which is crucial to the plot. Fortunato's reputation as a wine connoisseur allows Montresor to entice him into the catacombs with the promise of tasting a rare vintage, ultimately leading to Fortunato's downfall.
This means that Fortunato, like his fellow countrymen, doesn't know what he's taking about when it comes to painting and precious gems. He's a quackâa word often used to describe someone pretending to be a doctor but which in general can apply to anyone who pretends to have specialized knowledge in something.
Though a quack when it comes to painting and gemmary, Fortunato certainly knows his stuff when it comes to wine, as Montresor readily admits. This is important, because it is Fortunato's proud reputation as a connoisseur of fine wines that enables Montresor to lure him down into the catacombs. Montresor knows that Fortunato will not pass up this golden opportunity to show off his extensive knowledge of the pleasures of the grape and taste a drop of rare vintage Amontillado in the bargain.
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