Well Planned, Well Executed

Well Planned, Well Executed

“The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge”(77). The short stories main character, Montresor, gave this quote to an unknown person about his adversary, Fortunato. Montresor swears to himself that he will take revenge on Fortunato. The Cask of Amontillado, written by Edgar Allen Poe, tells the story how Montresor lures Fortunato to the catacombs to implement his plan. Montresor’s revenge is premeditated, in hopes of successfully murdering Fortunato.

Montresor relies on Fortunato’s knowledge of wine to lure him to his wine cellar. When Montresor finds Fortunato, he tells Fortunato about the pipe of Amontillado that he purchased. “My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met.... But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts.... I was silly enough to pay the full Amontillado price without consulting you in the matter. You were not to be found, and I was fearful of losing a bargain”(78). When Fortunato hears of the Montresor’s Amontillado, he is not only flattered that Montresor would value his opinion of the wine, he is pleased to have the opportunity to drink it. “Amontillado!”(78) he repeated several times indicating his appreciation for the product.

Once Montresor gains Fortunato’s interest in a good wine, his plan takes advantage of Fortunato’s pride. “As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchresi. If any one has a critical turn it is he...”(78). Montesor knows that Fortunato’s pride would not accept the fact that anyone would have a better knowledge of wine than himself. He is sure Fortunato will believe himself to be the one to taste the wine and determine its authenticity. “Luchresi cannot tell Amontillado from Sherry”(78), he replied to Montresor. Montresor again suggests that he get Luchresi’s opinion. Montresor tells Fortunato that he can find Luchresi and they will go taste the Amontillado. Montresor is only saying this so Fortunato will not realize that he is the one Montresor wants in the wine vaults. “My friend, no; I will not impose upon your good nature. I perceived you have an engagement. Luchresi -”(78). Fortunato, who is assuring Montresor that he has no engagements, then interrupts Montresor. “T...

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...s that the chains are already connected to the wall. All he has to do is bind Fortunato with the chain. While Fortunato stood chained to the wall, Montresor is quickly sealing the doorway with stone and mortar. “ I busied myself among the pile of bones.... Throwing them aside, I soon uncovered a quantity of building stone and mortar. With these materials and with the aid of my trowel, I began vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche”(81). Montresor not only prepared the chains, he also previously put stones and mortar underneath a pile of bones next to the doorway that was going to be sealed.

Montresor lives up to his stated motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit.” He is one that seeks revenge and carries out his plans. Fortunato would not have been left to die in an isolated area, sealed away by a stone and mortar if Montresor had not planned for this death. The tools were placed at the crime scene in preparation for the crime. The victim was lured to the vaults by taking advantage of his interest in good wine and his pride. And finally, Fortunato was lulled into complacency by over-indulgence in wine. This was a well-planned, well-executed homicide.