Haunting Confession of Revenge and Murder in The Cask of Amontillado Es

The haunting confession of revenge and murder Edgar Allan Poe’s â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† is a horror story about revenge and murder that occurred half a century ago. Through the haunting confession of the narrator, Montresor, the reader is able to feel what Fortunato had endured half a century ago. In this tale of revenge and murder the dark, damp, and bone-filled catacombs provide a contrast to life during the â€Å"madness of the carnival† (553). Through the acts, thoughts, and words of the protagonists Montresor, the reader is able to feel the psychological torment that Fortunato is about to endure. The first line in the story Montresor said â€Å"The thousand of injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge† (553). Revenge remains a constant theme through the entire story. Montresor went to great lengths planning the revenge and murder of Fortunato. He knows that during the carnival everyone will be dressed in costume, mask, and drinking. No-one will be able to recognize them. Montresor himself put on a â€Å"mask of black silk† (554) and a â€Å"roquelaire† (554). He has also made certain that his attendants’ would not be at home, to be sure that there are no witnesses to his horrendous act. Just about everything Montresor says is ironic. He says just the opposite of what he means. He keeps inquiring about Fortunato’s health, Fortunato says that he â€Å"shall not die of a cough† (554). Montresor agrees with him, he knows what will ultimately be the death of Fortunato. Montresor deviously leads Fortunato to the vaults â€Å"down the long and winding staircase, requesting him to be cautious† (554). Montresor opens a bottle of wine and makes a toast to his friend’s â€Å"long life† (555). As For... ...rfeited† (33). Montresor has inquired about Fortunato’s health throughout their walk to the catacombs. It is too late for him to change his mind so all that is left to do is seal him in. Poe creates a horror story of a psychological revenge and murder that occurred fifty years ago. Montresor is able to recall with clarity the details of his crime. Does he feel remorse for what he has done to Fortunato? The reader would think that he does, Montresor seems to be making the haunting confession from his death bed. The last thing that Montresor says to Fortunato is â€Å"In pace requiescat† which means â€Å"In peace may he rest† (557)! This is what Montresor wants for himself, this is why he is confessing to his sins. Works Cited Poe, Edgar Allan. "The Cask of Amontillado." Reading and Writing about Literature. Phillip Sipiora. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2008.