Montresor pauses before placing the last stone into the wall trapping Fortunato in his grave because he wants an apology for “The thousand injuries of Fortunato” (Poe). Montresor wants Fortunato to die, but he waits for an apology that could lead to Fortunato’s freedom. Humans’ are taught to forgive their enemies, and Montresor is showing this characteristic to the man he hates the most. Montresor may be out for the death of Fortunato, but he is not a stone cold killer. It is only when Fortunato crosses the line that Montresor has to take action. Montresor feels like he has no choice but to kill Fortunato, even if he does not want to. Once the only reply heard is the “jingling of the bells” from Fortunato’s hat, Montresor knows he is dead (Poe).
