The Cask of Amontillado Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe is known for his gothic approach to poetry. Many have appraised Poe by his writings, and believe all of Poe’s poetry has a connection to his actual life. Many think Poe is insane, and it is well expressed in his poetry and short stories. Poe lived a difficult life; having no parents, and an aunt and uncle that did not want to raise him, which lead him to rage. Poe could not express his ways of revenge in the physical so he considered them in his poetry and short stories. Edgar A. Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” is one short narrative that brings a thrill to everyone’s brain. Revenge is certainly the core idea that Poe is aspiring for.
“THE THOUSAND INJURIES OF FORTUNATO I HAD BORNE AS I BEST COULD; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge” (Poe 732).Revenge was Monstresor’s motive, and felt as though he were insulted by Fortunato. Monstresor only aspired to harm Fortunato without placing himself at risk. “I must punish, but punish with impunity” (Poe 733). The best way Monstresor knew how to lower Fortunato is by his profession. Fortunato was known for the wine he collected, and little did he know that Monstresor would use the art of wine against him; for Monstresor was also skillful in vintage wines, and had the perfect plot.
The idea to lower Fortunato to Monstresor’s basement was fairly easy. Monstresor tells Fortunato that he has acquired something that could pass for Amontillado, a light Spanish sherry. He tells Fortunato that he would go to Luchesi to get a critic for the wine that Monstresor just bought. Monstresor added “As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If anyone has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me –“ (Poe 734).Fortunato felt insulted that Monstresor would not allow him to give the wine tasting to see if it were the actual Amontillado and pleads to be the wine taster since he is not busy and pursues his way to Monstresor’s home. “Thus speaking, Fortunato possessed himself of my arm” (Poe 734).
Montresor had strategically planned for this meeting so well; he deceived his servants to leave the house for the night. “I had told them that I should not return until the morning, and had given them explicit orders not to stir from the