Montressor's Intentions example essay topic
476 words
The revenge theme of this story becomes evident in the first line. "The thousand injuries of Fortunado I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge". This sentence not only defines Montressor's intentions; it also sets the mood for the rest of the story. What wrongs had been done to him are unclear and never told. By claiming to have suffered a "thousand injuries", it is obvious the narrator is exaggerating in order to have the reader sympathize with his point of view. The irony of this idea of revenge is that Montressor's family motto stands for just that. "Nemo me immune laccesit". When translated, it means no one assails me without impunity. About half way through the story, irony begins to make itself more obvious. It is apparent to the reader that Montressor intends to kill Fortunado, but it is the manner in which he goes about it that is truly ironic.
Montressor uses Fortunado's own prideful nature to lure him into the wine cellar. "He prided himself on the connoisseurship of wine". Once Montressor mentions needing assistance in determining whether or not the bottle of Amontillado was authentic, Fortunado insists on returning to his home to try it. It is ironic that Montressor tries to talk him out of coming, but the pride of Fortunado would not keep him away. Even after the entered the cellar, Montressor tries continuously to coax Fortunado into leaving but he won't be swayed. It is obvious that Montressor's attempts are not to actually get him to leave but to keep him from being suspicious of his intentions.
Montressor repeatedly warns Fortunado of the dangers that the cellar may have to his health. The notre, along with the cold and dampness, was not good for his condition. He was almost mocking him at this point. As the journey through the cellar came to an end, Montressor's intentions became reality. He led Fortunado to the far corner of the cellar. Irony once again comes into play.
Fortunado made his living as a mason. It was this craft that would ultimately lead to his doom as Montressor sealed him into the cellar. As Fortunado screamed for help and yelled loudly, Montressor added insult to injury by merely screaming louder. Fortunado then knew that he was doomed. It is never known whether or not Fortunado was deserving of his fate.
Montressor only revealed what he wanted to about the details of his anger towards him. This changes the theme of the story in the eyes of the reader. It becomes more of a satirical story than one of vengeance as Montressor would want you to feel..
