Themes: Substance Abuse
The theme of alcoholism and substance abuse in general is so prevalent and so natural in Poe that it can sometimes be overlooked. "The Cask of Amontillado" takes place during Carnival, a time of revelry and drunkenness. Not only is Fortunato drunk when Montresor lures him to the catacombs, but the bait is a cask of wine. Ironically, Fortunato seems to regain his sobriety, or at least, Montresor thinks he does. Nevertheless, it's unlikely that Fortunato would have been so trusting to begin with had he not been under the influence of alcohol.
Expert Q&A
In "The Cask of Amontillado," how does Fortunato's love of wine lead to his downfall?
Fortunato's love of wine and excessive pride in his connoisseurship lead to his downfall in "The Cask of Amontillado." His arrogance makes him eager to prove himself superior to Luchesi in identifying Amontillado, while his intoxication dulls his judgment and awareness. Montresor exploits these weaknesses, leading Fortunato deep into the catacombs where his drunkenness prevents him from realizing the danger, ultimately resulting in his entrapment and death.
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