Montresor Guilt

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The Costly Guilt of Respect
In his article, “The Cask of Amontillado: A Case for the Defense.” Patrick White made his claim that Montresor does not understand his actions to be demented or Satanic. This is because of his family’s motto “No one attacks me with impunity”, is so “rooted in Montresor’s mind…” (White, 551). The claim also goes on to say that Montresor has no remorse because of how much he honored the motto.
The value of the motto does ultimately influence Montresor’s state of mind, but not because of devoted allegiance and viewing its decree as a chivalrous duty. The motto creates a mental battle of good and evil. Montresor does not value the motto as it is expected of him, unfortunately he is pressured to carry out a cruel act to be respected by his family. While doing so, he …show more content…

Montresor shows remorse by offering Fortunato foresight. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” there is a slight contradicting factor to White’s claim of Montresor’s loyalty to the motto and his lack of remorse. After having planned his revengeful murder, Montresor shows that he is reluctant and unfaithful to the motto by suggesting opportunities to abandon its declaration. Just moments after Montresor begin his scheme, he attempted to persuade Fortunato out of his plan as if he instantly regretted it. Montresor twice urged Fortunato “My friend, no…” (Poe, 2), as if there was something deeper he wanted to say but couldn’t. He couldn’t for the reason of pride. He was pressured as being a part of the Montresor lineage to act on the motto. Afraid of being condemned by his family if he was to forsake it. Even after Montresor tried to save his friend from himself, he still mentally battled the pressure that his family puts on the values, and the morals of taking a human life. Once the plot was nearly carried out, and

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