Edgar A. Poe utilizes the characters, Montreso and Fortunato, to represent two distinct psychological entities in his short story, “The Cask of Amontillado.” Montreso, who represents the human emotion of revenge, portrays an angry man who will stop at nothing to seek revenge on his friend, Fortunato, who insulted and humiliated him. Fortunato, on the other hand, represents the human emotion of pride. Because he insists that he is the only one who can tell the difference between “Amontillado and Sherry,” he ultimately sets himself up for his own demise. Montreso, like many villains who prey on the faults and weaknesses of their victims, realizes early on in his plot to kill Fortunato, that his friend’s passion for wine will be the most effective way to seize him down into the vaults where he intends to bury him. He nonchalantly mentions to Fortunato that he has purchased a bottle of wine at the carnival, but is unsure if the wine is Amontillado or an imposter.
He tells Fortunato that he is going to ask Luchresi, a proclaimed vintage wine connoisseur, to decipher the type of wine in the bottle. Montreso knows that Fortunato’s pride will not allow him to let Luchresi test the wine. Fortunato insists that he is the only one that can accurately tell what type of wine was purchased, and therefore insists on tasting the wine himself. Montreso acts surprised by his friend’s decision and even acts sympathetic towards Fortunato’s failing health issues, but deep down he knows that his plot is working exactly as he had anticipated. Characters like Montreso who portray the human emotion of revenge often manipulate their victims by acting sympathetic and even compassionate towards their victims’ weaknesses. Fortunato continues to insist that his health is fine and that he is truly the only one that can tell what is in the bottle.
The Term Paper on Cask Of Amontillado Montresor Fortunato Story
Edgar Allen Poe's, 'The Cask Of Amontillado,' is a between two enemies. It humorously portrays the foil of Fortunato, as he is led through the catacombs. Poe's humour is dark, sarcastic and very ironic, which quickly becomes a signpost of the tale. Poe sets himself apart from other authors in his works, based on how he depicts and encounters death. It accentuates the notion that at times, your ...
Fortunato’s pride causes him to continue down into the vault where Montreso eventually chains him to the wall, buries him behind layers of brick, and kills him. Montreso and Fortunato both represent human emotions that are often difficult to control. Through his use of symbolism, Poe is able to depict both psychological states in a clear and concise manner. He accurately portrays and develops both emotions through the characters and allows the reader to grasp the prevailing theme of “human’s fall from grace.”.
