Montresor's Plan In The Cask Of Amontillado

In Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor has an evil plan to get revenge on his “friend,” Fortunato. Montresor's plan involves drinking the wine, Amontillado. Fortunato loves wine, and he will do anything for it, or with it. Wine plays a huge role in Montresor's plan. Montresor gets Fortunato to really think that they are “friends.” Montresor told Fortunato that he is a “rich, respected, admired, beloved” (86) man. He does not actually think that. When he says he “must not only punish” (83) Fortunato, but he must “punish [him] with impunity” (83), which he does. The first step in Montresor's plan is to get Fortunato to go in the catacombs. He says to Fortunato, “Come, we will go back, your health is precious” (86). Montresor is doing reverse psychology.

I shall not die from a cough” (86). He insisted to go to the catacombs. Fortunato does know he will not die from a cough, but he does not know he will die from something bigger that night. On the way to the catacombs, Montresor asks Fortunato what the motto is. Fortunato says that it is, “Nemo me impune lacessit” (86). This means “no one attacks me with impunity.” What it is saying is that no one will attack me without getting revenge. Montresor is about to give Fortunato revenge. When they get in the catacombs Fortunato is so excited that he sees the wine. “The wine sparkled in his eyes and the bells jingled” (86). All he could think about was the amazing Amontillado. Montresor traps Fortunato and feels guilty. Fortunato started saying how he has a family and places to go back