Theme Of Revenge In The Cask Of Amontillado

Register to read the introduction… The powerful emotions felt by Montresor are felt from the opening line, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.” Montresor never reveals what these injuries are or how he was insulted all we see are the effects of these injuries and the powerful emotions that are their result. Montresor’s revenge is masterfully planed, from the date, to the location, and even what he says while walking Fortunato to his tomb where he will live out the remainder of his short life. Montresor puts his plan into action during carnival, where everyone is celebrating and drinking all through the night. The idea is that it wouldn’t be uncommon for Fortunato to go missing for a few days while celebrating carnival and Montresor takes advantage of this. The location is also crucial in Montresor’s revenge. He brings Fortunato down into the family wine cellar which wines underground into the family catacombs. In the catacombs they pass Montresor’s family coat of arms which states “Nemo me impune lacessit,” meaning No one assails me with impunity. Telling Fortunato without directly telling him that if you insult me or my family you will be punished. Throughout their walk to Fortunato’s future resting place Montresor gives Fortunato several attempts to leave. He also gives several clues to his intentions that evening. Montresor …show more content…
One of the symbols that stands out is the Montresor’s family coat of arms. The coat of arms has a giant gold foot in a azure background crushing down on a serpent whose fangs are buried in the heel of the foot. The coat of arms is a visual representation of Fortunato and Montresor’s relationship. Fortunato the serpent bit Montresor and now he’s going to destroy him. Also on the coat of arms is the motto: “Nemo me impune lacessit,” meaning that no one shall insult me with impunity. This further alludes to Montresor intended actions towards Fortunato’s. The color of the coat of arms is also significant, the color azure means “sky blue” giving the idea of sky and freedom. Montresor thinks that he will gain freedom through revenge on Fortunato. Looking through the life of Poe and the story The Cask of Amontillado it’s easy to see how he could bring himself to these places in his mind and create them into the breath taking stories that they are. The Cask of Amontillado can best be described as emotional terrifying, like watching a train wreck in slow motion and all that you can do is grit your teeth and watch. Poe does this so flawlessly through his symbolism, irony, and the idea of revenge, the whole time the reader can see what’s going to happen and wants to turn away but the story is to alluring and must go on to see how it