Tooth for Tooth In the short story “A Cask of Amontillado” two wealthy rival Italian men with a taste for wine descend into the catacombs of one of the noblemen’s house who goes by Montresor. All is not well, though, as Montresor’s rival Fortunato has offended him greatly in the past, all of which has convinced Montresor enough to seek out vengeance on his rival and past friend. Through careful planning and patience Montresor proves that the recurring theme of this story is that revenge is a dish best served cold, and that the overwhelming amount of deceit shows the hatred Montresor had for Fortunato. The insult that was dealt to Montresor by Fortunato provokes him to cease their friendship and causes him to seek out revenge on Fortunato, thus making it more effective. As said in the short story Fortunato insults Montresor in the past: “THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge” (Poe ). Due to Fortunato’s insults and his past injuries that he dealt to Montresor, Montresor plans his revenge and waits it out for the perfect time. As soon as the insult reaches Montresor’s ears his revenge is already placed in stone: “At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely, settled” (Poe ). His reaction to Fortunato’s insult compels him to end their relationship and plot out his vengeance. Montresor’s revenge might be overdue as it is revealed that Fortunato has wronged Montresor more than once. They are