Carnival is typically a night full of lively celebrations. This was not the case for the characters Montresor and Fortunato, in “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. Montresor, the narrator, explains how he feels dishonored and wronged by Fortunato. Montresor seeks revenge and creates an elaborate plan to kill Fortunato. In the chaos of Carnival, Montresor leads a very intoxicated Fortunato to the catacombs. Fortunato believes they are going to the catacombs to taste a fine wine, the Amontillado, however Montresor secretly plans to kill him. The men travel to the depths of the catacombs, and Montresor covertly entombs Fortunato. Sealing the tomb, Montresor leaves Fortunato to die. Montresor kills Fortunato to avenge the wrongs committed
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Montresor devised a complex plan to lead Fortunato to his own death. “I said to him-- ‘My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day’” (4). Although, Montresor implies that he meets Fortunato by chance, he actually pursues him. Montresor plans to kill Fortunato “...one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season...” (3) to ensure there are no witnesses. The deceitful nature of Montresor is further exhibited by his efforts to ensure that he does not get punished. Montresor uses reverse-psychology to send his servants away. He explains his trick, stating: “I had told them that I should not return until the morning, and had given them explicit orders not to stir from the house. These orders were sufficient, I well knew, to insure their immediate disappearance, one and all, as soon as my back was turned” (5). Montresor cunningly uses reverse-psychology, to ensure he can murder Fortunato with impunity. Montresor’s cleverness contributes to his deceptive nature. Additionally, Montresor uses “a pipe of what passes for Amontillado” (4) to trick an intoxicated Fortunato to hasten to the depths of the catacombs. Fortunato covets the Amontillado and also wants to prove he is a better wine connoisseur than his rival, Luchesi. Montresor uses Fortunato’s pride against him, by merely mentioning his rival’s name. “I perceive you have an engagement. Luchesi--” (4). Montresor references Luchesi as a way to motivate Fortunato to accompany him to the catacombs. Fortunato considers himself to be a superior wine-connoisseur to Luchesi, and is eager to taste the Amontillado to prove his status. Throughout Montresor and Fortunato’s journey, Montresor pretends to be cordial to Fortunato so he will not suspect anything. “‘Come,’ I said, with decision, ‘we will go back; your health is precious’” (5). Montresor acts as if he cares for Fortunato, to remove
Montresor devised a complex plan to lead Fortunato to his own death. “I said to him-- ‘My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day’” (4). Although, Montresor implies that he meets Fortunato by chance, he actually pursues him. Montresor plans to kill Fortunato “...one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season...” (3) to ensure there are no witnesses. The deceitful nature of Montresor is further exhibited by his efforts to ensure that he does not get punished. Montresor uses reverse-psychology to send his servants away. He explains his trick, stating: “I had told them that I should not return until the morning, and had given them explicit orders not to stir from the house. These orders were sufficient, I well knew, to insure their immediate disappearance, one and all, as soon as my back was turned” (5). Montresor cunningly uses reverse-psychology, to ensure he can murder Fortunato with impunity. Montresor’s cleverness contributes to his deceptive nature. Additionally, Montresor uses “a pipe of what passes for Amontillado” (4) to trick an intoxicated Fortunato to hasten to the depths of the catacombs. Fortunato covets the Amontillado and also wants to prove he is a better wine connoisseur than his rival, Luchesi. Montresor uses Fortunato’s pride against him, by merely mentioning his rival’s name. “I perceive you have an engagement. Luchesi--” (4). Montresor references Luchesi as a way to motivate Fortunato to accompany him to the catacombs. Fortunato considers himself to be a superior wine-connoisseur to Luchesi, and is eager to taste the Amontillado to prove his status. Throughout Montresor and Fortunato’s journey, Montresor pretends to be cordial to Fortunato so he will not suspect anything. “‘Come,’ I said, with decision, ‘we will go back; your health is precious’” (5). Montresor acts as if he cares for Fortunato, to remove