Quotes
“The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.”
The opening line of the story introduces Montresor as the narrator and sets the tone for the narrative. It presents a captivating possibility of a backstory, albeit a vague one. While it is conceivable that Fortunato may have caused harm to Montresor numerous times, the narrator refrains from divulging any specific details about Fortunato's actions. This line also highlights the significance of pride in the story, as Montresor claims that a thousand injuries are less painful than a single insult. The promise of revenge serves as a foreshadowing of the story's conclusion, while the overall tone serves as a cautionary note, warning readers against placing trust in Montresor.
“A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.”
Montresor's notion of justice is clearly defined through this line. In order for one to effectively punish another for their wrongdoing, the punisher mustn't endure any suffering themselves, while ensuring that the offender comprehends the motives and reasons behind their punishment.
“Ugh! ugh! ugh! — ugh! ugh! ugh! — ugh! ugh! ugh! — ugh! ugh! ugh! — ugh! ugh! ugh! My poor friend found it impossible to reply for many minutes. 'It is nothing,' he said, at last.”
These lines provide readers with insight into Fortunato's character. His attempt to dismiss a cough in such a manner and claim it as "nothing" reveals his foolishness (as well as his prioritization of both the wine he desires to taste and his ego in surpassing Luchesi over his own well-being). The verbal irony of the situation, where Fortunato is unable to speak due to his intense coughing yet downplays it, aligns seamlessly with the overarching theme of the story. It explores the disconnect between words and reality, ultimately posing a threat to Fortunato's life.
“For the love of God, Montresor!”
Fortunato's final words, which Montresor repeats back to him, are, "'Yes,' I said, 'for the love of God!'" Throughout their journey among bones and skulls, neither man had mentioned anything divine until this moment. Fortunato brings up the appeal to Christian mercy as a final effort to convince Montresor to spare him. However, Montresor rejects this plea when he echoes Fortunato's words, asserting his own authority to punish Fortunato and please God in a sinister manner.
