Comparing Montresor, The Misfit, And The Descent Into Darkness

Montresor, The Misfit, and the Descent into Darkness Both Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” and Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find” allude to the thought that human beings are capable of performing despicable acts in order to achieve what they want. Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” takes place during the carnival season somewhere in Italy, and details the story of Montresor enacting his revenge against Fortunato (Poe 1108-1113). Likewise O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find” depicts a family taking a trip to Florida who gets into a car crash. When some supposably friendly strangers stop to help, the Grandmother recognizes The Misfit which inevitably leads to the family’s ultimate demise (O’Connor 138-150). Despite the reason why the act was committed, the events prior to the crime, and how committing the atrocity affected the murderer; the performance of such horrendous deeds on a daily basis in …show more content…
As “The Cask of Amontillado” progresses Montresor remains determined and steadfast in his task. Montresor refused to even allow Fortunato the knowledge that he disliked him, and only faltered once in his task when he was quieting the screams of his former friend (Poe 1108, 1112). Contrary to Montresor’s resoluteness, The Misfit showed several emotions throughout the O’Connor’s story, and often paused to blush or show kindness. However, as the story progressed The Misfit became increasingly unstable in emotion until he was shouting in a high pitched voice and shot the Grandmother himself. Followed by O’Connor describing The Misfit as having, “eyes [that] were red-rimmed and pale and defenseless-looking” (O’Connor 149). O’Connor’s Misfit only killed to survive whereas Montresor killed for revenge. Despite how the crime affected them and how they differed both men were able to complete the horrendous act in order to accomplish their