How Does Fortunato Characterize Montresor's Madness

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An Awakening Edgar Allen Poe’s message in the “Cask of Amontillado” is of revenge that can consume a man and turn him mad. In this story, Montresor has a method to his madness through his thoughts, conversations and finally his actions. Montresor’s thoughts of revenge start off the story like this “When he (Fortunato) ventured upon insult. I (Montresor) vowed for revenge”. This is madness that Montresor has developed. Revenge for Montresor will be a slow process, but he will follow through, Edgar Allen Poe just hasn’t shown the reader how. “I continued, as was my wont, to smiles in his face and he did not perceive that my smiles now was at the thought of his immolation.” Poe tells the reader that Montresor is aware of his thoughts on revenge …show more content…

Montresor says to Fortunato, “As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If anyone has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me- “. This is where Montresor catches the “connoisseurship in wine” Fortunato right where he wants him. He knows Fortunato will not let him go with anyone else to see the Amontillado. Montresor knows the Fortunato wants to see the Amontillado, and he plays reverse psychology on Fortunato to get him to go there alone “but the severe cold… The vaults are insufferably damp. They are encrusted with nitre”. Fortunato’s reply “Let us go, nevertheless. The cold is merely nothing. Amontillado! You have been imposed upon”. Remember Fortunato is drunk already. Montresor goes on to tell the reader,“There were no attendants at home; … These orders were sufficient, I well knew, to insure their immediate disappearance, one and all, as soon as my back was turn.” This dialogue was not in the story but it is still important to the reader to know that no one will pop up to save Fortunato or pin his murder on Montresor. This is a part of Montresor’s method to madness. Montresor goes on to tell Fortunato. “You should use all proper caution. A draught of this Medoc will defend us from the damps.” This is where Montresor lets Fortunato think that he cares about his wellbeing but instead Montresor is getting him even more sedated. This is also Montresor’s madness sinking in deeper and

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