The Cask of Amontillado The author of The Cask of Amontillado, Edgar Allan Poe, lets us know in the opening sentence that the character telling the story, Montresor, vows revenge. Montresors target of revenge is Fortunato, but Montresor never specifically says what Fortunato did to him or his family. However, Montresors fear of Fortunato avenging any threat of revenge leads us to believe his plan is well thought out and executed in a very matter of fact way. Seeking this revenge on Fortunato has not made Montresor feel guilty for what he has done. It seems as if revenge is just part of his nature.Throughout the story, it seems as if Montresor has every bit of his revenge on Fortunato planned out. He could not have chosen a better time or place to commit his act of revenge. He knows that during carnival season, or as we know it Mardi Gras, everyone in town will be dressed in a costume with a mask, drinking, and not paying attention to much that is going on outside of the carnival. Montresor knows that Fortunato will be at the carnival and more than likely drinking.Another part of Montresors plan is to use reverse psychology. The story reads, I had told them that I should not return until the morning, and had given them explicit orders not to stir from the house. Montresor says this because he knows that his servants will also want to celebrate at the carnival so if they know he will not be there they will leave. Montresor used this psychology a few times on Fortunato. As Fortunato began to cough heavily, Montresor says, We will go back; your health is preciousyou will be ill, and I cannot be responsible. Besides, there is Luchresi-. Montresor is not at all worried about Fortunatos cough. Montresor chooses wine because he knows that it is something Fortunato is interested in and that he is extremely proud of his knowledge of it. During their discussion, Montresor plays to Fortunatos arrogance by comparing his abilities t...
