Theme Of Revenge In The Cask Of Amontillado

The act of revenge means to avenge oneself or another by retaliating in kind or degree. Many people seek revenge for a variety of different reasons. Some forms of vengeance are warranted, while others are unnecessary or go too far. Every person is not the same, so it varies from person to person what initiates the want for revenge. In “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allen Poe, Fortunato wrongs his friend Montresor, the protagonist. Although what Fortunato did is unknown, Montresor seeks extreme revenge. Montresor completely blindsides Fortunato by doing this as he did not know he was in the wrong. A character analysis of Montresor reveals the theme of desire for revenge through exploitation of Fortunato.

Montresor’s first way of exploitation is going out of his way to speak with Fortunato in a friendly way. Although Fortunato and him are already friends, Montresor decides to treat him with an unprecedented welcoming upon seeing him. Montresor states, "My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day” (Poe). Montresor is complimenting Fortunato to gain his trust and void any suspicion. Montresor later says, “It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will. I continued, as was my in to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my to smile now was at the thought of his immolation” (Poe). He is only acting in this way because he wants to kill him. Because of this exhibited affection,