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Revenge in “The Cask of Amontillado”
by Samuel Daugherty
by Samuel Daugherty
Revenge, an idea that predates recorded history is almost as old as life itself. Edgar Allan Poe's “The Cask of Amontillado” is a skillfully spun tale that personifies the idea of revenge and demonstrates how this idea can lead a person to the point of irrational behavior. Poe applies the idea of revenge as a lens that illuminates the dark side of human nature. Poe's story shows how even the simplest of ideas can compel and develop itself into a will of its own. “The Cask of Amontillado” is an iconic example of how revenge can be self-defeating.
In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor lays out an uncomplicated yet effective ploy to exact revenge upon Fortunato, an acquaintance that Montresor claims has insulted him. The story takes place In the nineteenth century during “the supreme madness of the carnival season” (Poe) when Montresor, coincidentally, crosses paths with a drunk and ailing Fortunato. In turn, Montresor exploits Fortunato's taste for wine to lure him into the Montresor family vaults to sample a, supposed, barrel of an excellent Spanish wine known as amontillado. Although the story is slow, each facet of the story builds upon the next and is vital to its integrity and the overall result. Montresor's quest starts in motion at the onset of the story with, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge” (Poe). This account is imperative to the understanding of Montresor's disposition. Montresor feels that this insult warrants revenge and that his actions are justified. However, Poe makes it apparent to the reader that Montresor is not the victim, but instead, he is the culprit and that his desire for revenge is pretentious.
Revenge is an idea that is, perhaps, intrinsic to human nature; although Poe takes this idea to the most severe level, his story resonates with the readers on a personal level. Whether or not Montresor's actions are just, Fortunato must die. “[Montresor] must not only punish, but punish with impunity” (Poe). It is necessary to understand that during the nineteenth century, a mans reputation was worth more than his weight in gold, especially to those in the higher rungs of society. Montresor takes Fortunato's insult as an attack on his familial reputation compelled him to defend his family name. Montresor embodies his family motto, “[No one assails me with impunity]” (Poe), and plays the role of the entire judicial system as the judge, jury, and eventually the executioner of Fortunato. These details provide the reader insight on Montresor's irrational lust for vengeance. Poe employs the elements of his story to reflect the world around him. Montresor becomes the conduit that exemplifies how emotions, such as pride and anger, can fuel irrational behavior.
Justice is a concept that is as equally ancient as revenge. “Justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, or equity” (Konow 1188). Revenge is a natural desire; however, suppose that the desire for justice, when tempered with anger, gives birth to the desire for revenge. As stated before, through Montresor, Poe illustrates how anger fuels irrational behavior, and since anger gives rise to the desire for revenge then revenge is irrational. Poe writes “a wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser”, which means in order to exact revenge one must not be subject to retribution for their act of revenge. However, Poe makes a subtle but powerfully persuasive statement that revenge is self-defeating. At the end of the story, before Montresor places the final stone of Fortunato's tomb Montresor states that “[his] heart grew sick” (Poe). As "retribution overtakes its redresser" (Poe), Montresor's grief unredressed his revenge. This suggests that Montresor is not devoid of morals but that his own emotions duped him into behaving irrationally.
Poe's understanding of the psychological interactions of emotions and human nature is evident. This shows in his writings as the readers empathetically connect with his reflections upon the world around him. In “The Cask of Amontillado” Poe illustrates how a mans pride combined with the natural desire for revenge is ultimately self-defeating.
TNR is smaller, although there are a couple 'common' fonts that might be better
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