Explain The Thirst For Revenge Against Montresor

The Dark Heart of Revenge The lust for revenge is one humanities most powerful and primal instincts. The thirst for revenge drives men and women to commit unimaginable crimes against one another, all in the name of righting a wrong. We all have control over our darker, more primal side up to a certain point. When that delicate threshold is crossed, the laws and customs that we use to define our culture and life become meaningless and we attest to the inner monster that dwells within the hearts of men. Montresor is a man whose actions are shaped by a need for revenge against Fortunato’s wrongs, and sets about attaining vengeance through the use of manipulation and great cruelty Montresor hails from the once renowned Montresor family, a “great and numerous family” (Poe 192) that had fallen from grace. The family’s moto “nemo me impune lacessit” (Poe 192) directly translated into “no one attacks me with impunity”, plays an important role in understanding the driving factor behind Montresor’s thirst for vengeance against Fortunato. Fortunato’s involvement in the families downfall is never directly mentioned, however
After a rather drawn out coughing fit from Fortunato, Montresor strongly suggests that they both head back to the surface because Fortunato’s “health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved” (Poe 192), to which Fortunato quickly dismissed and insisted on continuing. If Fortunato wouldn’t leave, Montresor convinced him to at least drink a draught of Medoc, further increasing Fortunato’s inebriation. Another element that supports Montresor manipulating Fortunato into a trap is his appearance. Montresor dons a “mask of black silk” and wears a short black cape, thus giving him a menacing appearance. The mask symbolizes the hidden intention he has with showing Fortunato his cask of Amontillado wine, and his intent to ultimately end Fortunato’s