Introduction
Montresor, depicted in “The Cask of Amontillado,” is motivated by the desire for vengeance against Fortunato, who believes he has humiliated him. To make sure that everything goes as planned, Montresor carefully crafts his strategy. It is implied that Fortunato has insulted Montresor’s family name or social standing, which explains why Montresor is so adamant about getting even.
Montresor states, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge” (Poe, 1846, lines 1-3). The concrete examples of Montresor’s vengeful deeds are when he walls Fortunato into the nook and leaves him there to suffer, takes advantage of Fortunato’s weakness for wine, and uses deception to bring Fortunato deep into the catacombs.
Analysis of Montresor’s Actions and Motivation
Montresor’s Strategic Approach During the Carnival
Montresor first approaches Fortunato during a carnival celebration as part of his overall strategy. He knows Fortunato will be in a good mood and more inclined to follow him to the catacombs, so he deliberately picks this time to approach him. Montresor chooses the time of the carnival explicitly, as it is a time of celebration and revelry in which people are distracted and less likely to notice his actions.
He also knows that Fortunato will likely be in a drunken state, making him more vulnerable to his plan. He says, “My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking today. But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts” (Poe, 1846, lines 23-25). Before presenting the topic of the Amontillado, Montresor extends a warm greeting to Fortunato and even compliments his appearance. Fortunato, oblivious to Montresor’s genuine motives, has a false sense of security due to how Montresor initiates the conversation.
Meticulous Preparation and Adaptive Strategy in the Catacombs
Montresor meticulously plans every aspect of his retaliation, including setting up the catacombs where he wants to murder Fortunato. He has prepared the bricks and mortar needed to enclose Fortunato in the space where the Amontillado cask is hidden. Montresor’s preparation aims to enable him to carry out his plan undetected or interrupted.
Montresor says, “I had scarcely laid the first tier of the masonry when I discovered that the intoxication of Fortunato had in a great measure worn off” (Poe, 1846, lines 39-41). This quotation illustrates Montresor’s meticulous attention to detail and capacity to modify his strategy in response to emerging facts.
Fortunato’s poor judgment would make him an easy target. Thus, Montresor initially intended to exact his vengeance by using Fortunato’s inebriation as cover. However, Montresor notices that Fortunato’s intoxication is starting to wear off as they move deeper into the catacombs, which might throw off his plan.
Final Act of Vengeance: Walling Fortunato In and Ensuring His Fate
Montresor’s last act of vengeance was walling Fortunato into the nook and leaving him to perish. The purpose of Montresor’s action is to ensure that Fortunato experiences the same destiny that he believes he did due to his actions. He says, “For the half of a century no mortal has disturbed them. In pace requiescat!” (Poe,1846, lines 78-79).
This last remark of the story, which exemplifies Montresor’s calculating, heartless attitude toward the killing of Fortunato, is a quotation. Montresor is satisfied that his plan to carry out Fortunato’s death was successful because his body will never be found. In pace requiescat, which translates to may he rest in peace, is Montresor’s final jab at Fortunato because he knows his victim will never be at peace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Montresor methodically planned and carried out the events that led to Fortunato’s death in “The Cask of Amontillado” to exact retribution and establish his dominance over Fortunato. Montresor can carry out his sinister plan and leave Fortunato buried alive in the catacombs using trickery, persuasion, and a deep-seated sense of wounded pride.
Reference
Poe, E. A. (1846.). The Cask of Amontillado. Web.