The short story The Cask of Amontillado by Edger Allan Poe, is based on Montresor taking revenge on his old friend Fortunato. and any corresponding bookmarks? This aggressive tradition of bloodthirsty vengeance is not at all Christian, as we witness of course, when Montresor walls up his enemy alive. | 1 Montresor killed Fortunato out of loyalty to his family name. Why does Montresor seek revenge in "The Cask of Amontillado"? Montresor is a complicated man; he is both cruel and unreliable, but also smart enough to carry out his devious plan. Future Proofing. What does Fortunatos name mean in "The Cask of Amontillado". WebWhat was Poe's intention behind the names of the two main characters? WebAlso, there is irony in the story when Montresor tells Fortunato his family arms motto Nemo me impune lacissit, (192) meaning No one insults me with impunity and Good! replies Fortunato who is being led to his death. Early in the story, Montresor states that he has borne a "thousand" injuries at Fortunato's hands, but when Fortunato "insult[ed]" him, that was the last straw. Fortunato is manipulated by Montresor until he is chained to the wall and Montresor begins building a brick wall in front of him, ultimately killing him. Montresor points out the nitre, or saltpeter, growing in the cavern ceiling and remarks that it makes it hard to breathe. What symbolic or ironic function is served by Montresor's That's how Montresor feels. Montresor exploits the drunk state of Fortunato to trick him into going into an underground graveyard (catacomb) all while Montresor actions show his true personality. In the Romance languages, Montresor's name literally means "to show fate." In the Cask of Amontillado, Montresor buries Fortunato alive in his family catacombs. Montresor's murder plot to bury Fortunato alive is particularly evil, nonetheless he feels that he is doing rightful work. The name of the victim, Fortunato, meaning "the fortunate one," is the first irony. It also seems possible that Montresor is even more protective of his family pride since the family is no longer as "great and numerous" as it once was. anyone wants justice if it is something history has taught us is we want revenge/ justice. Stemming from an insult which the reader is not told, Montresor cooks up a revenge plan and lures Fortunato into his home with the promise of a rare wine. Thus, they have progressed to the place of the dead where Fortunato will spend the rest of his existence ironically, alongside the relatives of a man who hates him with an unbelievable intensity. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams.