Gaining Revenge

The story of “The Cask of Amontillado” is one that gives a comparative of two men. One is lead strictly by his id and the other being motivated by his id, has moments of rationalization. In this battle of forces Montresor’s ego is not strong enough to stop his appetite for revenge.

Montresor it seems has been pushed to the limit as to what he can take from Fortunato. In frustration he plots revenge on his dear friend as insults he could not tolerate. The risk he would take in committing this revenge mattered little to him. He needs to make Fortunato pay for his actions. It appears that Forunato publicly insulted Montresor as later he says to him “You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was”(Poe 241). Which suggest that whatever the insult was, it greatly affected everything Montresor held dear. All that was gone and now revenge must be had.

Fortunato seems to be a very arrogant man. Full of himself he counters anyone’s knowledge of Amontillado being superior to his. His comment to Montresor in reference to Luchesi’s knowledge is that “he is a ignoramus” (Poe 243). He also basks in his superiority over Montresor. For example, when confusion arises in Montresor over Fortunato’s gesture with the wine bottle, Fortunato takes this opportunity to humiliate him in his knowledge of the Masons. Fortunato also had the audacity to question Montresors arms. It is no wonder Montresor had so much animosity towards his dear friend. His friend felt the need to constantly rely on his id, as it seems he lacked a superego. Much to his misfortune he comes in contact with that area of his consciousness a little to late.

Montresor seems to vary in different degrees of his consciousness. He is in much of his id throughout the story but reveals areas of his ego and superego. Montresor plays the part of a concerned friend for Fortunato’s benefit. In those moments he will do anything to fulfill his need of revenge. When in reality his id is much in charge in these moments. He knew just the strings to pull to get Fortunato to react in accordance to his plan. If he played upon Fortunatos pride he could achieve his goal in gaining revenge.

The intent in his plan was to make Fortunato suffer humility. The humility Montresor must have felt in the insults brought forth by Fortunato. Killing Fortunato went a bit far in his revenge. Wouldn’t it had been enough when he heard the “sad voice, which I had difficulty in recognizing” to let him out (Poe 244). Hearing the break in Fortunato’s pride he had made his point.

Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Cask of Amontillado.” Reading and Writing about Literature. Ed. Phillip Sipiora. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002. 240-244.