He Who Holds the Key

These violent delights have violent ends…” (William Shakespeare qtd. in Romeo and Juliet Act II, Scene VI.) “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe begins with Montresor, the main character, saying that he will punish Fortunato with impunity for a wrong he has done. Montresor plans on leading Fortunato to his house where his deathbed awaits him. Along the way, Montresor portrays numerous personalities that keep the story interesting. He eventually locks Fortunato in a recess located in the catacombs beneath his house, and he starts to burry him alive. Montresor is able to complete this ludicrous act because he is vindictive, determined, and manipulative.
In the beginning of the story, Montresor appears to be vindictive within the first paragraph. Fortunato insults Montresor by doing something that remains unidentified. Montresor states he “must not only punish, but punish with impunity.” Montresor feels he must do this because he wants to be done with Fortunato and his insults. He also feels that he must live up to his family motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit,” which means, “Nobody attacks me with without punishment.” Because Montresor is single-minded, he is able to plan his scheme so thoughtfully that he knows there is no chance of getting caught. Montresor’s need for revenge continues throughout the story. When Montresor says, “Then I must positively leave you,” he is showing that there is no turning back. Fortunato is stuck indefinitely. Montresor shows that he is not remorseful by his actions while he is walling in Fortunato. “The noise [vibrations of the chain Fortunato is locked in] lasted for several minutes, during which, that I might harken to it with more satisfaction, I ceased my labors and sat upon the bones.” M...

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...By doing this, Montresor was making sure that nobody would be able to blame him for the murder of Fortunato. Montresor also uses reverse psychology while he is leading Fortunato to his doom in the depths of the catacombs. He constantly suggests that the two return back up stairs. “ ‘Come,’ I said with decision, ‘we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, [and] beloved… You are a man to be missed.” Montresor knows that if he keeps saying things like this, it will only fuel Fortunato’s longing for a taste of the amontillado.
As one can see, Montresor shows the qualities of a person that is vindictive, determined, and manipulative multiple times throughout the story. By describing Montresor with these characteristics, the reader can clearly see that he is not right in the head. His thoughts become words, and his words become actions.