The Cask Of Amontillado: A Tale Of Deviousness And Wonder

Throughout the book I found my self locked in the underlying deviousness and also full of wonder. Wonder is very effectively used right from the beginning of the book as the main character, Montresor, states he is going to get revenge on Fortunato, “ The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge” this introduction launches the reader in to the book by creating wonder due to Montresor’s very open ended statement as no specific reason was given. This really questions Montresor’s motives. Another great thing about this book is Montresor’s deviousness as the reader is aware of everything going on however Fortunato is unaware about what is going to happen to him. His deviousness is shown in particular by his plot to get revenge on Fortunato as Montresor uses his love of wine and hatred of Luchresi to lure him into the wine caves and too his eventual death. Poe further uses deviousness as throughout the long suspenseful walk through the cave Montresor is constantly asking Fortunato if he wants to leave, this is devious because Fortunato is unaware he is heading to his demise. Deviousness is again showed through the dialogue in the cave where Fortunato is coughing and Montresor asks him to turn around because his health is too dear, however Fortunato refuses stating that coughing will not die of a cough and Montresor agrees. This is devious on Montresors part mainly because he knows that Fortunato will not die from coughing, but of deprivation when he is buried in the cave. Wonder is also further used however this time it is intertwined with suspense as both men’s journey through the cave is very long and drawn out which gives a reader a sense of wonder as to when this murder will happen and to what exactly Montresor will do to Fortunato. I believe that the wonder of the reader is challenged for the final time at the end of the book as the question of regret is touched upon. Created when Montresor states, “But to these words I heartened in vain for reply” this is the only time in the book where Montresor lets up his Devious plotting self, this sudden realization of Fortunatos impending death seems to makes Montresor show slight regret as to what he has done. This evokes wonder as to whether in actual fact Montresor wanted to kill Fortunato.