the cask of amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

"The Cask of Amontillado" was first published in 1846. The first-person narrator, Montresor, is unreliable and is attempting to explain his actions of 50 years before. The story begins with Montresor addressing someone familiar, who knows the "nature of my soul." He explains that he had borne "the thousand injuries of Fortunato," but finally Fortunato went too far, and he devised a plan for revenge.

Fortunato does not suspect Montresor's plan. In fact, when they meet in the street during carnival, Fortunato is very glad to see him. Fortunato is dressed like a jester, and has been drinking. Throughout the story, Montresor exploits Fortunato's interest in wine. First, he tempts Fortunato by claiming he has purchased a cask of Amontillado, which is a dry sherry, but he is unsure if its authentic. Instead of asking Fortunato directly to examine the Amontillado, Montresor says he will ask another because Fortunato is busy, thereby playing upon both Fortunato's pride and greed.

When they reach the depths of the catacombs, Montresor tricks Fortunato into stepping into a small recess where he chains him to two staples in the wall and begins to wall him in. At first, Fortunato does not understand what is going on. However, he soon realizes his situation and begins to moan and test the chains. Montresor stops so that he can listen more easily to Fortunato’s dismay. When Fortunato quiets, he proceeds walling up Fortunato. At one point, he raises a torch to look inside the crypt and view his handiwork.

When the light falls on him, Fortunato begins screaming. At first Montresor is alarmed, fearing that someone will hear the cries. Then he remembers the security of his position and joins Fortunato’s yells trying to yell louder than him.

Eventually, Fortunato quiets and Montresor continues his task. Just as Montresor is about to complete the wall, Fortunato begins to laugh and make comments as if the situation were a simple prank. However, Montresor’s responses cause Fortunato to realize the sincerity of his actions. Fortunato begs for mercy “For the love of God!” but Montresor simply echoes the phrase and finishes the task. The last sound we hear from Fortunato is the jingling of his jester’s cap.

The End!!

Done with 6th post!! :D