Edgar Allan Poe is one of history most prolific and more peculiar authors. His down trodden characters and wise tales are still as spine tingling today as they were upon their conception. “In The Cask of Amontillado”, the main character Montresor gives the reader an example of a character that wholly represents what a socio/psycho-path is. The story is very short compared to most other gothic writers’ work, but nevertheless is more synonymous with the term “contemporary killer” than most gothic pieces. The stories main character is effective in delivering this role in that he displays three major characteristics that a murderer possesses. Montresor represents the contemporary killer because he shows clear indications of general mental strain,
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It is unclear whether what Montresor feels is true success or if it was a let down. From how eager Montresor was to accomplish his goal it would be difficult to think that he would be unhappy with his work, but the last line in which Montresor says “May he rest in peace” is strange. Due to the nature of Poe’s writing, it is safe to assume that this was one last jab at Fortunato. Critic and editor Bill Delaney describes the ending in his article, “When Fortunato says, “For the love of god, Montresor!” and Montresor repeats, “Yes, for the love of God,” Poe is indicating that Montresor is already experiencing the closure he sought. Once he has punished Fortunato to his satisfaction, he can now feel sorry for his victim. Fortunato’s plea is only half-stated: the other half is implied. He means, in effect, “for the love of god, Montresor, have pity …show more content…
The man that is Montresor is one of Poe’s most studied and anthologized characters. Montresor represents the character that future characters like Norman Bates and countless other antagonists would be based off of for nearly 100 years. It is very simple to see why modern authors and screenwriters draw inspiration from characters like Montresor. There are many different theories as to why he behaves the way he does, but it is universally accepted that he is definitely a menace to any that oppose him no matter how small the slight may be. 1846 America was a very different place, and many aspects of everyday life would have been much different than they are today. It is thought that Poe based the story even farther back than the year it was published, so the idea of this being in the defense of honor would be extremely likely considering this time period was rife with conflict and dueling. The final word on Montresor is that he is an average man. Poe wanted to prove the point that the most unsuspecting people can commit acts no one would think possible. The display of an obscure mental state, a sense of true justification, and an unsure sense of satisfaction all culminate to give us a truly vile character that is one of gothic literature’s most
It is unclear whether what Montresor feels is true success or if it was a let down. From how eager Montresor was to accomplish his goal it would be difficult to think that he would be unhappy with his work, but the last line in which Montresor says “May he rest in peace” is strange. Due to the nature of Poe’s writing, it is safe to assume that this was one last jab at Fortunato. Critic and editor Bill Delaney describes the ending in his article, “When Fortunato says, “For the love of god, Montresor!” and Montresor repeats, “Yes, for the love of God,” Poe is indicating that Montresor is already experiencing the closure he sought. Once he has punished Fortunato to his satisfaction, he can now feel sorry for his victim. Fortunato’s plea is only half-stated: the other half is implied. He means, in effect, “for the love of god, Montresor, have pity …show more content…
The man that is Montresor is one of Poe’s most studied and anthologized characters. Montresor represents the character that future characters like Norman Bates and countless other antagonists would be based off of for nearly 100 years. It is very simple to see why modern authors and screenwriters draw inspiration from characters like Montresor. There are many different theories as to why he behaves the way he does, but it is universally accepted that he is definitely a menace to any that oppose him no matter how small the slight may be. 1846 America was a very different place, and many aspects of everyday life would have been much different than they are today. It is thought that Poe based the story even farther back than the year it was published, so the idea of this being in the defense of honor would be extremely likely considering this time period was rife with conflict and dueling. The final word on Montresor is that he is an average man. Poe wanted to prove the point that the most unsuspecting people can commit acts no one would think possible. The display of an obscure mental state, a sense of true justification, and an unsure sense of satisfaction all culminate to give us a truly vile character that is one of gothic literature’s most