Edgar Poe was born in Boston, Mass., on Jan. 19, 1809. His parents were touring actors. He was orphaned at age 3, and taken into the home of John Allan, a merchant of Richmond, VA. His wife raised Edgar as her son, but Allan accepted the boy largely to please her. Later Poe took Allan as his middle name.
Although several characters are mentioned in this story, the focus is on Montresor, the diabolical narrator of this story, who pledges revenge upon Fortunato for an insult. Poe does not intend the reader to sympathize with Montresor because Fortunato has wronged him, but rather to judge him. Poe told the story from Montresor’s point of view. This point of view intensifies the effect of moral shock and horror. Poe invites the reader to explore the inner workings of a sinister mind.
The story unfolds as Montresor tells that he has suffered immensely at the hands of Fortunado. Although specific offenses are not mentioned, it is hinted that Fortunado had dared to insult Montresor. Montresor cannot accept this and vows revenge. Montresor’s revenge must be complete. Fortunato had a weakness, which Montresor felt could be advantageous to implementing his plan. Fortunato prided himself upon being a connoisseur of fine wines. Fortunado is baited with the mention of a wine that Montresor knows his friend would be most interested. Montresor skillfully plays Fortunado into wanting to sample this wine. Montresor talks about Amontillado and then expresses doubts about its authenticity. He mentions Luchresi, another wine connoisseur, and Fortunado is trapped. Fortunado must sample this wine to prove to himself and his friend that only he can discern the authenticity of such a fine wine.
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Montresor lures Fortunado into the catacombs of his estate. During the trip into the depths, Fortunado is offered numerous chances to turn back. However, his vanity propels him forward until he reaches a niche at the end of a crypt, where he is chained to the wall. Montresor begins to build a wall to trap Fortunado in the niche. It is important to Montresor that Fortunado knows what is happening to him. Montresor will experience great pleasure from the fact that as Fortunato slowly dies, the thought of rejecting many opportunities of escape will torture him with unbearable regret. As he sobers with terror, the final blow will come from the realization that his desire for the wine has led him to his doom.
The story is filled with irony. A character says one thing and means something else. Montresor continually expresses concern about Fortunato’s health. Several times, he suggests that they should turn back, for fear that, Fortunato’s cough will worsen from of the cold and dampness of the catacombs. Montresor gives one of the most striking lines of the story in response to Fortunato saying, “I will not die of a cough.” Montresor says, “True–true….” (820).
This story is evidence of Poe’s mastery. I thoroughly enjoyed this story’s intricate and masterful plot. There is so much going on behind the words. Every detail contributes to a certain unique effect. The reader perceives something that the character in the story does not. I could not read more than a paragraph at a time without stopping to revel in the implications and possibilities of what is written.
