Examples Of Calvinism In The Cask Of Amontillado

“No trait is more justified than revenge in the right time and place.” – Meir Kahane. People often seek retribution so closely that this act becomes a part of them and ruins their own lives. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor devises a clever way to attain justice without allowing revenge to destroy his well-being. In this short story, Montresor’s whole plan for killing Fortunato begins with what Fortunato has done to receive Montresor’s wrath. Montresor claims that Fortunato has caused him a “thousand injuries” (Poe) and that he would have his revenge. Some people believe the rationalization for his revenge is greatly out of proportion and that he went far beyond any logical thinking. Although there is plenty of evidence to support this claim, there are those who believe otherwise. In Graham St. John Scott’s review, he ties the story and the Montresor’s actions with the religion of Calvinism. In Calvinism, one of their principles is that “who was as much glorified in the proclamation of his justice as he was in the revelation of his love; and who could even mock those whom his justice condemned.” (St. John Scott). This principle translates to that those who act with the right intentions then they should receive no consequences for their actions. This relates directly to Montresor’s claims and gives him further reason to get back at Fortunato. In addition, Montresor feels that his actions were not only within the perimeters of fairness, but he also made sure to be