The Cask Of Amontillado Montresor Pride Quotes

An individual who views their experiences from an exclusive perspective may assume their opinions are superior to others. In this way, it can create an overly prideful individual who will do anything to maintain that honour. This can cause acts of revenge and hate. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Edgar Allan Poe conveys the idea that when pride consumes an individual, they may act on revenge because they are convinced it is justifiable. He supports this claim with Montresor’s perspective on the need for revenge and his obsession with pride.
Throughout the text, Montresor’s obsession with pride is evident as it consumes him entirely. He perceives every thought and action through the lens of preserving and elevating his own honour, a concept deeply

He wants to seek justice for how Fortunato has wronged him. He maintains this goal as he wants to “not only punish but punish with impunity” (Poe, 1). From Montresor’s point of view, he must enforce revenge on Fortunato, as it is what he believes is right. Ensuring that he wants to “punish with impunity” indicates his relentless pursuit of vengeance and how he must ensure that he faces no consequences for his actions. This way, Montresor reveals his underlying arrogance and belief in his superiority. He sees himself as clever, cunning, and confident. Also that he can execute his plan without being discovered or facing any retribution for his actions. These actions of acting without consequences further fuel his obsession with pride and revenge. While committing his act of revenge, Montresor plans the perfect crime. Montresor follows meticulous planning. He begins his crime by waiting until the carnival season begins. He then waits until it is dark out once he and Fortunato are alone on the street. The carnival season is one of the most convenient times for Montresor, as Fortunado will likely be drinking and more susceptible to manipulation. By the evening, the carnival will most likely die down, and there will be no witnesses to his and Fortunato’s initial encounter. The detailed planning Motresor does makes him believe he is intellectually superior to Fortunato. He

He enjoys the revenge that he takes out on Fortunado. Fortunado mentions that ‘he did not perceive that [his] smile now was at the thought of his immolation’” (Poe). Immolation, specifically the destruction of someone, represents the happiness Fortunato’s downfall brought Montresor. Fortunato does not realize that Montresor is smiling at his destruction. This attitude of Montresor showcases how little remorse he feels for Fortunato. He takes pleasure in the deception, knowing Fortunato remains oblivious to his sinister motives. This showcases the little guilt Montresor feels for taking advantage of Fortunato. He feels that everything he does is justified based on the actions of Fortunato earlier. Montresor also defends his actions by emphasizing that Fortunato seems to be a fool. At the beginning of the story, Fortunato is dressed as a jester. He wears a long striped dress and a cap often associated with jesters. Montresor assumes Fortunato’s appearance makes him gullible. This allows him to believe that he is much more intelligent than Fortunato and that Fortunato is an easy target. The fact that Fortunato is dressed as a fool enhances Montresor’s satisfaction with his ability to deceive him. It is easy for Montresor and only inflates his ego. Finally, Montresor justifies his actions by claiming, “You, who so well know the nature of my soul” (Poe, 1). Mainly, Montresor is seeking empathy