Notes on 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe

Main Characters

• Montresor: The narrator who seeks revenge against Fortunato.
• Fortunato: A wine connoisseur who insults Montresor and becomes the victim of his revenge.

Setting

• Time: During the Carnival season
• Place: Primarily in the catacombs beneath Montresor’s palazzo.

Key Themes

• Revenge: Montresor is driven by the need to avenge the insults of Fortunato.
• Deception and Betrayal: Montresor deceives Fortunato into entering the catacombs under the guise of tasting a rare wine.
• Pride: Fortunato's pride in his wine connoisseurship leads to his downfall.

Plot Summary

Introduction

• Montresor vows revenge on Fortunato for his insults.
• He emphasizes the importance of punishing with impunity and without getting caught.

The Revenge Plan

• Montresor resolves to lure Fortunato into the catacombs by tempting him with a rare wine, Amontillado.
• Fortunato, who is inebriated and dressed in a jester’s costume for Carnival, readily follows Montresor.

Journey to the Catacombs

• Montresor leads Fortunato into the catacombs, feigning concern for his health due to the dampness.
• Fortunato insists on continuing despite a persistent cough, driven by the desire to taste the Amontillado.

The Trap is Set

• Montresor and Fortunato reach the farthest crypt, and Montresor chains Fortunato to the wall.
• Fortunato is too intoxicated and shocked to resist.

The Execution

• Montresor begins to wall up the niche, trapping Fortunato inside.
• Fortunato’s realization sets in as Montresor builds the wall higher.
• There’s a moment of panic and screaming from Fortunato, but Montresor is undeterred.

Conclusion

• Montresor completes the wall, sealing Fortunato inside.
• He reflects on the act as one that has gone undisturbed for fifty years.
• The story ends with the Latin phrase "In pace requiescat" meaning "Rest in peace."