Fortunato Symbolism

Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” caused both of us to react in a way one would expect when reading Poe’s work: fearful in suspense and as always, intrigued by his writing style. During a carnival, Montresor tells Fortunato, a wine expert, of a particular type of wine he has acquired. However, he is unsure of the type of wine and seeks Fortunato’s expert opinion. Fortunato insists on showing Montresor where Amontillado, a rare Spanish wine awaits. The two continue through the catacombs of Montresor’s family along a long, damp passageway until they reach the end where Montresor traps Fortunato. Through their journey, Montresor keeps Fortunato intoxicated by giving him more and more wine. Due to Fortunato’s intoxicated state, Montresor …show more content…
With the story being written in first person, Montresor’s point of view, it gave her much more insight into his dark thoughts and she felt the the language used gave vivid, yet beautiful, descriptions. First person can also be quite deceiving, because Fortunato has no suspicion and seems to trust Montresor. We do not know what Fortunato’s thoughts are throughout their journey through the catacombs. Fortunato cannot see the irate hate that Montresor has for him. As the reader, we are never given the information as to why Montresor believes Fortunato deserves such a tragic, revenge-filled, hateful death.
Montresor shows Savanna that he is quite good at being deceitful by referring to the man he was seeking revenge upon constantly as his “friend.” Also, there is irony in the story when Montresor tells Fortunato his family arms motto “Nemo me impune lacissit,” (192) meaning “No one insults me with impunity” and “Good!” replies Fortunato who is being led to his death. Even further irony is implied when we look into the meaning or Fortunato’s name. Fortunato means “fortunate” and here is a man who seems to be anything but