Sometimes a personpride can overshadow their good judgment, in turn effecting their actions. The result of this over zealous pride can mean death for the person. In Edgar Allen PoeThe Cask of Amontillado, Fortunato is a prime example. Through his own desire to show his skill as a wine connoisseur, he causes his own demise. Fortunatopride becomes evident when he and Montresor first meet. When Fortunato learns of Montresorcask of Amontillado, he says Luchesi cannot tell Amontillado from Sherry, (pg 116) of the other connoisseur. He will not allow this other connoisseur to show him up. Fortunato had no reason to demean Luchesi except to keep his own pride intact. He continues throughout the story to demean the skills of Luchesi for the sole purpose of making himself look more skilled. Fortunatogood judgment is also clouded by the amount of alcohol he accepts from Montresor. A draught of this Medoc will defend us from the damps. ( pg 117) Montresor says to Fortunato who decides to stay in the damp and starts to drink because his pride will not let him leave. Montresor offers him one final chance to turn back. Once again Fortunatogood judgment is overshadowed by his pride. He insists that he is fine, and furthermore, asks for more alcohol. I broke and reached him a flagon of De Grave. He emptied it at a breath. (pg 118) Although Montresor was planning to trap Fortunato once they were deep in the catacombs, he does not force him to go. In fact, several times during the story Montresor offers a way out for Fortunato but Fortunatopride wouldnallow him to give up. Several times it was Fortunato that urges Montresor to take him to the Amontillado pipe. When Montresor says My friend, no. I will not impose upon your good nature. I perceive you have an engagement, (pg 117) Fortunato is quick to respond that he has no engagement. He his desperate to reach the casks and see if it really is Amontillado. Again, Montresor offers a way out.
