In Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado", the narrator, an avenger named Montresor, has an insidious and horrific way of killing his friend Fortunato. But underneath Montresor's cruelty, we could also find out that he is a very smart psychoanalyst. There are lots of ironic details run through the whole story, which could help us understand the characters.
The first thing we need to notice is the time that Montresor chooses for the murder. It's "one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season" (1113) when they encounter, Fortunato is kind of drunk and accost the narrator, who is going to murder him, with excessive warmth. Moreover, he wears motley, "had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells." (1113) which means Fortunato is going to be killed when he dresses like a clown; it is ironic enough for "a man to be respected and even feared." (1113) A good plan need a good start, Montresor knows that and waits until this perfect opportunity comes. .
Secondly, it is noticeable that Montresor keeps on asking Fortunato to go back to make him torpid. The victim can not sense the danger; he wants to check out that .
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cask of Amontillado so bad and he insists keep on moving. He says "the cold is merely nothing" (1114) "I shall not die of a cough." (1115) and "it is nothing" (1115) for several times. The narrator even gives him the last chance "Once more let me implore you to return. No?" (1116) What a smart murderer and a dull victim! Montresor chooses the best bait- wine form Fortunato's weak point and lead him to death silently, without a push.
Lastly, some minor details should be mentioned too. "And I to your long life." (1115) When they drink the wine, Montresor said. He is laughing at Fortunato, the man who is going to be killed by him in minutes without a suspicion. Here is another conversation "And the motto?" "Nemo me impune lacessit.
In Edgar Allan Poe's story, "The Cask of Amontillado" is a story about revenge, telling the story from Montressor's point of view. ... In Poe's story, "The Cask of Amontillado," has many significance. ... The victim, Fortunato's name was ironic to his destiny. ... Poe also used numerous symbolisms in his story. ... The theme in Poe's story was the revenge is hollow. ...
