A Theme Exploration of The Cask of Amontillado
The
implied theme of Edgar Allan Poe’s The
Cask of Amontillado is a frightening tale of mankind’s natural depravities
whence seeking retribution, as well as an inside look into the mind of one who
has no moral restrictions on conjuring or acting upon such depravities. The
theme of this story also illustrates the fallacies of pride, gluttony, and
wrath.
The
exposition, or introduction, of this story introduces the audience to the
first-person narrator, Montresor, who is also the protagonist. Montresor begins
his inner dialogue by recounting his thousand injuries (a hyperbole) from Fortunato
(the antagonist); an arrogant, although merry, Italian, wine connoisseur, and
glutton of life’s pleasures. Poe uses symbolism by naming the antagonist
Fortunato to symbolize the antagonist’s fortunate life of power and affluence. The
exposition of this story reveals the man versus man conflict immediately. The
story is written in a humorous, dark, gruesome, and gothic tone, and clearly
states revenge as the protagonist’s motivation.
The
setting of this story is Europe in the 1800’s, during the carnival season,
which is an irony of the situation. The exposition’s setting in the carnival,
from which Montresor and Fortunato meet, is a celebration of freedom leading to
a climax of doom and entrapment. Montresor takes advantage of Fortunato’s
pride, enticing Fortunato to his wine cellar, by means of professing his plans
to have another examine his rare Amontillado wine. Rather than admitting
another a better wine connoisseur, Fortunato insists he examine the wine. Upon
entering the wine cellar, Montresor portrays himself as a caring soul,
regarding the well being of his comrade, Fortunato. Poe uses dramatic irony by allowing
the reader into the mind of Montresor. The reader knows throughout this story
that Montresor has plotted revenge against Fortunato for his insults, while
Fortunato is completely in the dark in regards to Montresor’s vengeful plans.
Taking
advantage of Fortunato’s gluttony, Montresor offers Fortunato several drinks to
further intoxicate him. Montresor discusses his family motto (a Latin saying
which is translated to “No one attacks me and gets away with it.”) This further
foreshadows Montresor’s pending revenge, as well as introduces new information
regarding Montresor’s motivation and since of duty to act upon offenses.
Montresor reveals a trowel to Fortunato as a form of symbolism. The trowel is a
comical symbol of Fortunato’s Freemasonry, a position that allows him
condescendence. It also foreshadows Fortunato’s gruesome fate: to be sealed within
the catacombs.
Montresor
shackles Fortunato to the wall with chains. The chains serve as symbolism of
retribution for the emotional chains that Montresor felt he endured. They also
symbolize the end to Fortunato’s supposed tyranny, boastfulness, and freedom. Fortunato
does not struggle immediately, as the drinks he had been given leave him too
intoxicated and initially bewildered. The conclusion leaves Montresor avenged,
listening to the moans and pleads of his enemy. Montresor has implied remorse
for his actions, but casts it off as only a sickening from the potassium
nitrate in the air. The torch he throws into the tomb he has built for
Fortunato before sealing the last brick symbolizes his remorse and Fortunato’s
last glimpse of freedom.
Poe genuinely illustrates the weaknesses
of man and the ability one possesses to seek retribution. Ultimately, it is
Fortunato’s pride and gluttony, as well as Montresor’s wrath that leads to
these horrifying events. If Fortunato had not been so prideful, he would not
have insisted he follow Montresor. His gluttony left him weak, and unable to
defend himself against being entombed with the catacombs. Montresor held
absolutely no moral restrictions to deter his own wrath, and acted out upon his
depraved impulses.
Works cited: The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan
Poe
