Some people wonder is Montressor was insane in the short story of "The Cask of Amontillado." Well to me, he was. I say this because would a sane man want revenge on a person? Would a sane man want to kill someone in such a slow and painful way? That is the idea that is going to be discussed in this essay.

"I must not only punish but punish with impunity (p. 149) That line in itself just says that he is not a normal thinking human being. This is when he starts to make out his plan of retribution. During this time, Montressor was careful not to arouse Fortunato's suspicions. "...Neither by word or by deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will. I continued...to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation (p. 149).

Fortunato had a weakness, which Montressor thought could be good for his implementing his plan. Fortunato prided himself upon being a connoisseur of fine wines. In this respect, they were both equals. So therefore, he knew that he would catch on to the bait and fall into the trap. Montressor knew that Fortunato had been drinking and this was even more of a good thing for him. He had shown his gratitud

Montressor plays like he doesn't know what he is about to do. Most insane people do that. He claims that he and Fortunato shouldn't go because Fortunato has a serious cold. He insisted that he stay behind because the dampness and the niter wouldn't be good for his cough. Fortunato once again, took the bait and the plan was put into action. When they had arrived, there was no one there. All the servants were gone according to plan. Montressor kept insisting that they go back because of the niter and of Fortunato's cough. "We will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was. For me it is no matter. WE will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be responsible. Besides, there is Luchesi---" (p.150). But once again, He wanted to taste the Amontillado and he was putting himself closer and closer to his own death. They both kept walking and Montressor kept saying that they should go back. And Fortunato kept creeping closer to his death. The soon reached the room where the Amontillado was kept. "At the most remote end of the crypt there appeared another less spacious. Its walls had been lined with human remains...Three sides of this interior crypt were still ornamented in this manner" (p. 152). The bones had been removed from the fourth wall and were scattered around the crypt. By doing this, there was an empty crypt "...in depth about four feet, in width three, in height six or seven...." which had been created (p. 152).

e for finding Fortunato because he had just purchased a large cask of what he thinks in Amontillado, which is a dry sherry. Montressor had his doubts about its authenticity and so didn't Fortunato. "Amontillado...Impossible! And in the middle of a carnival!" (p. 149). Montressor then told him that he also had his doubts, that h

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Approximate Word count = 1224
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)