Evil Revenge
Author Edgar Allen Poe provides a view into a darker side of human nature in his short story "The Cask of Amontillado", depicting an image of evil and a sought after vengeance, through which Montresor seeks to claim. The desire for retribution is fueled by an insult issued by the "respected and even feared" Fortunado, thus igniting the hostilities that burn in his heart. Montresor deceivingly smiles and carelessly dismisses the insult but inside his heart is burning with vengeance. It is through Montresor's vow that he "must not only punish but punish with impunity." that his journey thus begins (173). While the journey is initially presented in a jovial, carnival like setting, Poe quickly leads the reader into the dark catacombs of Montresor's home, providing a realm of evil, where Montresor will seek Fortunato's death. Poe's wardrobe of Fortunato in a jesters costume seems to symbolize the characteristic light in which Montresor views him. Montresor's true vengeful character is revealed when he convinces Fortunato to sample the Amontillado. As they make their descent through the damp, cold, nitre covered walls of doom; Montresor manipulates Fortunato by telling him he could have Luchesi
Montresor is alerted as he hears the final jingling of the bells on Fortunato's hat. He cries out Fortunato's name and receives no reply and his heart sickens. Poe represents the sickening of Montresor's heart as a small piece of evidence that his conscious is presenting itself, however Montresor quickly detaches himself from these emotional stirrings and accounts the sickening feeling to the nitre on the walls. As the last brick is placed and Montresor makes his way back to the surface, we are led to believe that Fortunato will slowly die by himself in darkness, while dressed in his ironically jovial but symbolic jester's suit. Perhaps Fortunato will go insane before his death, knowing he will forever be entombed without his wife and family ever knowing the truth of his untimely demise. Poe's depiction of this vengeful death creates an image of the evil side of existence and shows the depth at which emotions can scar the heart. This provides an example of how hatred and an unwillingness to forgive ultimately result in the destruction of character thus creating a monster. Poe concludes this tragic story with Montresor saying "In pace requiescat" (177). The irony of this statement is that Fortunado's death was far from peaceful and his soul will not easily find a restful peace. , taste the Amotillado, thu
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 894
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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