Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado

A detailed Summary of Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado

Theme Analysis of "The Cask of Amontillado"

In "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe, the dark side of human nature is exemplified through the character of Montresor and his victim, Fortunato. Montresor is a manipulative and vengeful person. These characteristics lead to the death of Fortunato, a man who has wronged him. Through the acts, words, and the thoughts of Montressor, one is able to see him carry out his plan for revenge.

The story takes place in Italy at a carnival where Montresor and Fortunato meet each other by chance, or so it is seems. The mood at the carnival is lively and exciting. It is then that the two men head towards the catacombs of Montresor's home in search of the wine Amontillado. The catacombs are a place of death where skeletons lie scattered against the damp walls, which are covered in nitre. Montresor dons a "mask of black silk" and a heavy knee length cloak (149). Montresor's clothes seem to indicate his wanting to conceal himself so he can carry out his devious plan. On the other side of the spectrum, Fortunato wears a "tight fitting parti-striped dress, and his head [is] surmounted by the conical cap and bel

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The final lines definitely show the success of Montresor's plan. Throughout the entire story one could see how Montresor completely manipulated Fortunato and lead him to his demise. His vengeful nature made him unable to rethink the evil deed he had just committed. His only concern was to avenge the insults that he perceived. He succeeded in taking someone's life without ever revealing his true dark side.

Montresor's actions also lend to his vengeful and manipulative nature. He lures Fortunato into the catacombs of his home to carry out his plans. First he caters to Fortunato's ego by saying that Luchesi was almost as worthy a judge of wine as he (150). Then Montresor tricks Fortunato into believing that there is an expensive pipe of wine in the depths of his catacombs. When they finally reach their destination, Montresor shackles him to the wall, constructs a tomb around him using bricks, and leaves him there to die. It is indicated that in the past that Fortunato has hurt Montresor many times, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he v

Some common words found in the essay are:
Montresor Fortunato, Ha Ha, Fortunato Montresor, Allen Poe, montresor manipulative, Cask Amontillado, cask amontillado, montresor fortunato, beginning story, fortunato wronged, montresor's plan, fortunato catacombs, fortunato montresor, manipulative vengeful, ha ha,

Approximate Word count = 778
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado

Related Essays

Professional Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials