Why Was Montresor Wrong

Ben Wellstood
Hakmati
Period 5
14th October 2014
Montresor, Cruel or Righteous?
In the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, Montresor has murdered his former friend, Fortunato. One might think that Montresor has given Fortunato what he rightfully deserves, or that Montresor has been following his family motto. However, Montresor never clearly explains what Fortunato has done to him and does not provide any reason to his actions. Montresor doesn’t say what specifically happened -it could have been something significant or something minor -so one can’t tell if he had a motive in murdering Fortunato. Montresor’s actions could be seen as enigmatic and malevolent, but still loyal to his family motto.
Montresor’s actions are very mysterious. He never goes into depth with what Fortunato had done to him and only gives the reader a brief explanation. Montresor says, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could…” (Poe 212). According to Montresor, he had tried to deal with or “borne as best [he] could” (Poe) with Fortunato, but had reached his breaking point. On why he killed Fortunato, he says, “…but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge” (Poe 212). Montresor seems to have said that Fortunato was just being himself until he “ventured upon insult” (Poe). Montresor

then “vowed revenge” (Poe) on Fortunato, because of Fortunato’s insults. However, how Montresor was insulted was never described.
Montresor is a very malevolent character who has little sympathy. Montresor had no regret in killing Fortunato. Fortunato says, “[For the love of God, Montresor!] [Yes,] [Montresor] said, [for the love of God!],” (Poe 217). Inside Montresor’s head, one can assume that Montresor thinks he’s doing this for the benefit of the world, or “for the love of god” (Poe). Montresor then kills Fortunato in cold blood, and remarks “But to these words I hearkened in vain for a reply. I grew impatient. I called aloud --[Fortunato!] No answer. I called again --[Fortunato!] No answer still.” (Poe 217). When Montresor “hearkened in vain” (Poe) he was not yet satisfied of the outcome until he knew for sure Fortunato was dead.
Montresor was faithful to his family motto.

His influence for killing fortunato was undoubtedly “Nemo me impune lacessit” (Poe 215) translates to “No one attacks me with impunity” (Holt 215) .This is a ferocious warning that any attacker is going to be met with a harsh response. Montresor takes pride in his family motto when he explains to Fortunato “[The Montresors,] I replied, [were a great and numerous family.] [I forget your arms.] [A huge human foot d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.]” (Poe 215). Montresor stands by that his family were “were a great and numerous” (Poe) and had a representable

motto.
While most of Montresor’s actions could be seen as unreasonable, like the actions of a psychopath.He does, however, display a favorable traits, such as loyalty and pride. Montresor is a very describable character, after closer analysis. Montresor, overall, is an intriguing character who shouldn’t be messed with.

Works Cited
Poe, Edgar. “The Cask of Amontillado.” Elements of Literature: Third Course, Austin:Holt,
Rinehart and Winston, 2007. 211-217. Print.