World renowned author, ethicist, and theologian Lewis B. Smedes once argued that ,
“The problem with revenge is that it never evens the score. It ties both the injured and the injurer to an escalator of pain. Both are stuck on the escalator as long as parity is demanded, and the escalator never stops.(Diederich)” Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado highlights the sequence of events Montresor endures to enact revenge on Fortunato. Montresor believe that he has been wronged to the point of no return, and as a result, vows revenge on Fortunato.
Throughout the story, Montresor is painted as having very minimal emotions in enacting his revenge; however, I would argue that Montresor actually exemplifies a myriad of emotions that drive his lust …show more content…
The audience sees this emotion brought forward in the aftermath of the revenge. As
Fortunato is being walled in, he tries to sway Montresor into releasing him; however, quickly realizes that his moment for release has passed. “For the love of God, Montresor!” “Yes,” I said,
“for the love of God!” But to these words I hearkened in vain for a reply. I grew impatient.(Poe)”
The exchange between Fortunato and Montresor, specifically in the final phrasing, alludes to
Montresors denial. Montresor in this moment feels pity for his victim, and realizes that there is no point of return for either of the gentlemen. Bill Delaney argues in the Explicator that, “It is
Montresor's pity, as well as his grim satisfaction, that the reader shares. However, it was impossible for Montresor to undo what he did. Among other consequences, he would have been subject to imprisonment of assassination. If he were to have had a change of heart and had released Fortunato, he would only have experienced a renewal of the fury that led him to immolate his enemy in the first place.(Delaney)”
The second emotion of anger is the center piece for the entire story. Montresor vows revenge due to the anger he feels as a result of, “ The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had
“The problem with revenge is that it never evens the score. It ties both the injured and the injurer to an escalator of pain. Both are stuck on the escalator as long as parity is demanded, and the escalator never stops.(Diederich)” Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado highlights the sequence of events Montresor endures to enact revenge on Fortunato. Montresor believe that he has been wronged to the point of no return, and as a result, vows revenge on Fortunato.
Throughout the story, Montresor is painted as having very minimal emotions in enacting his revenge; however, I would argue that Montresor actually exemplifies a myriad of emotions that drive his lust …show more content…
The audience sees this emotion brought forward in the aftermath of the revenge. As
Fortunato is being walled in, he tries to sway Montresor into releasing him; however, quickly realizes that his moment for release has passed. “For the love of God, Montresor!” “Yes,” I said,
“for the love of God!” But to these words I hearkened in vain for a reply. I grew impatient.(Poe)”
The exchange between Fortunato and Montresor, specifically in the final phrasing, alludes to
Montresors denial. Montresor in this moment feels pity for his victim, and realizes that there is no point of return for either of the gentlemen. Bill Delaney argues in the Explicator that, “It is
Montresor's pity, as well as his grim satisfaction, that the reader shares. However, it was impossible for Montresor to undo what he did. Among other consequences, he would have been subject to imprisonment of assassination. If he were to have had a change of heart and had released Fortunato, he would only have experienced a renewal of the fury that led him to immolate his enemy in the first place.(Delaney)”
The second emotion of anger is the center piece for the entire story. Montresor vows revenge due to the anger he feels as a result of, “ The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had