Essay about Fortunatos Greatest Weakness - 1207 Words

Edgar Allen Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado is a dark and frightening tale of revenge, temptation and murder. The victim of the heinous crime, Fortunato, is a respectable gentleman with a weakness. He has flaws like any other human being, but the difference lies in the severity of his imperfections. For poor Fortunato, his vulnerabilities prove to be the cause of his death. If Fortunato had not been drunk at the time of his homicide, he would not have been susceptible to the enticements of his murderer, Montressor, and would not have been killed. The Cask of Amontillado is an eloquent story narrated from the murderer’s point of view. Montressor seeks revenge against Fortunato for numerous insults the reader can only imagine. In order to†¦show more content†¦When the alcohol reaches the brain, it alters the normal chemical signals and neurotransmissions. Since the brain is in charge of controlling all bodily processes, many motor and psychological functions are co mpromised. Alcohol can cause the lack of inhibitions and coordination, lethargy, depression, and the death and deterioration of neurons (â€Å"How Alcohol†). Leonard Goldberg and his associates conducted a study in order to look at the physiological and behavioral effects of alcohol on the body. He conducted numerous experiments, testing the subjects’ eye movements, swaying of the body, motor skills, and behaviors after becoming intoxicated. The correlation between blood alcohol and each of these different variables proved that an increase in blood alcohol directly related to the inability for the individual to accurately perform each test (Goldberg). Montressor notes that Fortunato â€Å"accosted [him] with excessive warmth† on the night they meet. He also notices â€Å"the gait of [his] friend was unsteady, and the bells upon his cap jingled as he strode†(Poe 274-275). Both observations give ample proof that Fortunato was indeed intoxicated. Fortunatoâ €™s judgment and inhibitions were also impaired by his intoxication. If he had been sober, Fortunato would have been less likely to fall for Montressor’s charm, and he would have had a better grip on the situation. He was far too willing to travel into Montressor’s catacombs, regardless of his acquaintance with hisShow MoreRelatedThe Cask Of Amontillado Analysis935 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† by Edgar Allen Poe, Montressor uses his rival, Fortunato’s, Hubris to plot his revenge for the wrongs Fortunato has done against Montreseor’s family. In the beginning of the story, Montressor explains why he must get his revenge on Fortunato and also explains how Fortunato believes he is a skilled judge of fine wines. His plan to kill Fortunato is to lure him into his wine cellar by using his weakness of fine wines which also gives him plausible deniability of the crime. InRead More Mystery, Irony, and Imagery in The Cask of Amonti llado Essay1828 Words   |  8 PagesMissing items from Works Cited Mystery, Irony, and Imagery in The Cask of Amontillado The Cask of Amontillado is one of Edgar Allan Poes greatest stories. In this story Poe introduces two central characters and unfolds a tale of horror and perversion. Montresor, the narrator, and Fortunato, one of Montresors friends, are doomed to the fate of their actions and will pay the price for their pride and jealousy. One pays the price with his life and the other pays the price with living withRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado : William Shakespeare1450 Words   |  6 PagesDelaney, â€Å"throughout the story, he expresses tender concern for his intended victim, concern which is only partially counterfeited† (Delaney, 39) as even the final line of the story, â€Å"In pace requiescat!† (Poe), implies that Montresor hopes that Fortunato’s grave remains untouched and allows his friend’s bones to rest in peace; however, it remains up to personal speculation whether the statement is intended to be malicious or sarcastic. The conclusion to the story, alth ough not as epic as some of the