THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO: FORTUNATO’S POINT OF VIEW
I opened my eyes. They felt heavy and my head throbbed. I was covered with beads of sweat. I stood up and the world seemed to turn. I was dizzy. I looked around and saw the unfamiliar view. Where am I? People with colorful costumes and masks were surrounding me. There were parade floats everywhere. Then, puzzle pieces began to form in my head. I was in the carnival.
I was holding a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino and I drank it all up. The wine seemed to sting my throat. I have been drinking a lot lately. But nevertheless, I loved wine. I love to drink. I wouldn’t care if I die of intoxication. I walked around and the bells of my jester’s motley were clanging.
I looked around and I saw familiar faces. At my near left, I saw a group of women. Three days ago, I caught one of them cheating their husbands. With no delay, I told everyone about her secret. The other woman in the group was a thief. The other was I liar. I realized they were staring at me with a look of anger and disgust in their faces. I just rolled my eyes and walked away. Yes, I have insulted a lot of people already, I wouldn’t care who I offend, as long as but the truth will be revealed. I am powerful, influential, and I have the right to say what I want.
I continued to wander and my legs were moving like jelly. My vision became distorted. I took a bottle of Pimonte and drank like it was water. I abruptly came to a stop when I saw my friend Montresor.
He was delighted when he saw me. He approached me and said: "My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking today! But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts."
"How?" I said. "Amontillado? A pipe? Impossible! And in the middle of the carnival!"
"I have my doubts," He replied; "and I was silly enough to pay the full Amontillado price without consulting you in the matter. You were not to be found, and I was fearful of