Montresor's Reverse Psychology

“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe is a story told through the eyes of a man
named Montresor. In the story, it states that Montresor wants to seek revenge, without consequences, on a man named Fortunato. In order to achieve this, Montresor uses a form of connoisseurship to complete his revenge, and to enjoy it too. In the text, Montresor artfully played with Fortunato multiple times. He did this to ensure that Fortunato wouldn’t suspect anything, so that he could get away with his plan. For example, when Fortunato insisted on going with him, Montresor said, “My friend, no. It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I perceive you are afflicted.” This quote demonstrates Montresor’s reverse psychology tactic that he uses

throughout the book; he tells Fortunato one thing, in hopes that he will do the opposite. This tactic appears once again in the book later when they are both already in the catacombs and Montresor says, “Come, we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as I once was...” This piece of text not only shows the reverse psychology Montresor uses, but it also shows how he is feeding into Fortunato's ego; making him think that he is a well respected man in his eyes. Finally, like a true connoisseur, Montresor especially enjoys his revenge on Fortunato at the end of the story. In the book, it says that Montresor surpasses Fortunato’s screams in volume and in strength, which shows that he obviously wanted to mimic the screams in a mocking manner, as a way to ridicule Fortunato. To conclude, Montresor in the book “The Cask of Amontillado” shows his connoisseurship not only in wine, but in revenge as well. He successfully carried out his revenge (which required great knowledge in the matter), and not only that, but he especially relished his vengeance on his enemy, much like a connoisseur does with his area of expertise.