Time Fortunato example essay topic

Montressor is the main character in Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado". Since the story is told in the first person we learn about him only by what he says and thinks. He is insane, a madman or even a serial killer (long before they were called that). And yet he is intelligent and prideful and so people have enjoyed reading about the story of one of his victims for over 150 years. He is insane, not just by his actions - killing a man by burying him alive, but the reason he does it is because of "the thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge". And Fortunato does not even realize that Montressor is unhappy with him.

Which makes us think that the injuries were not that severe. Another example of his insanity is his tirade regarding revenge. "I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when the retribution overtakes it redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong". A sane person would simply have stabbed Fortunato (or even hired someone to do it for him) but that would not have been sufficient in his twisted mind.

Since his tirades are so eloquent, I get the impression that this is not the first time or the last time that he would kill for pride's sake. Perhaps that is a trait of his family. Their crest's motto was "Nemo me immune la cessit" which means, No one dare attack me with impunity. But at least he is very intelligent. And that is one of the main reasons people like this story. He does all of this during carnival, when everyone is out drunk so there will not be any witnesses.

The servants are out of the house partying as well. And he is able to wear a mask when he is walking along with Fortunato so no one will recognize him. It makes it easier for him to accomplish his dire deed since Fortunato is intoxicated. He does not realize the danger he is in until way too late. He even thinks it is all a joke to be told at the palazzo. The fact that the villain is smart is a large part of what makes this a great read.

Just like the movie "Die Hard", the villain planning on doing horrible things, but since it is such a good plan, you overlook that. In "Die Hard" the villain is a thief and is planning on killing hundreds of people, simply for a diversion. What would normally be horrible is transformed into "wow, what a great idea". You actually are impressed with a person who is doing something that you would regularly feel revulsion towards. The same for Montressor, he is smart and in his eyes (insane eyes) he has been wronged enough times to warrant the awful retribution. Montressor does give Fortunato many opportunities to escape his fate.

But his pride and greed for the great Amontillado keeps pushing him on his way to his doom. The mere mention of Luchesi makes him snort with derision and ensures his steps closer to death. Montressor offers to stop when he coughs, three times he offers to turn back, and each time Fortunato want to proceed. This again makes you feel for Montressor. If Fortunato is so bent on the prospect of tasting this wine, then perhaps he does deserve what he receives.

Even though Montressor had obviously planned this and thought it through, the reality of it hits him and he shows what is left of his humanity. "A succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to thrust me violently back. For a brief moment I hesitated - I trembled". But Montressor quickly overcomes this weakness and responds. "When Fortunato starts to scream "I replied to the yells of him who clamored. I re-echoed - I aided - I surpassed them in volume and in strength".

All in all, Montressor is a smart, calculating madman who sees the world through the eyes of one who all must dare not cross. And if they do, they will be dealt with severely and will most assuredly know who is having their revenge upon them. He is an interesting character and one that will stay with you for a very long time.