Disturbing Confession of Revenge and Murder "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe is a horror story about revenge and murder that happened half a century ago. Through the disturbing confession of the narrator, Montresor, the reader can feel what Fortunato had endured half a century ago. In this tale of revenge and murder, the dark, dank, bone-filled catacombs provide a contrast to life during the "madness of the carnival" (553). Through the acts, thoughts and words of the protagonists Montresor, the reader is able to perceive the psychological torment that Fortunato is about to endure. The first line of the Montresor story read: “Fortunato's thousand injuries I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured to insult, I swore revenge” (553). Revenge remains a constant theme throughout the story. Montresor went to great lengths to plan Fortunato's revenge and murder. He knows that during the carnival everyone will be dressed in costume, masked and drunk. No one will be able to recognize them. Montresor himself wore a “black silk mask” (554) and a “roquelaire” (554). He also made sure that his attendants were not at home, to ensure that there were no witnesses to his horrendous act. Almost everything Montresor says is ironic. He says exactly the opposite of what he means. He continues to inquire about Fortunato's health, Fortunato says that "he will not die of coughing" (554). Montresor agrees with him, he knows what Fortunato's death will ultimately be. Montresor subtly leads Fortunato at times “down the long and winding staircase, begging him to be careful” (554). Montresor opens a bottle of wine and toasts his friend's “long life” (555). As for...... half of the paper......rfeited” (33). Montresor inquired about Fortunato's health on their way to the catacombs. It's too late to change your mind, so all that's left to do is lock him up. Poe creates a horror story of psychological revenge and murder that occurred fifty years ago. Montresor can clearly remember the details of his crime. Does he feel remorse for what he did to Fortunato? The reader would think so, Montresor seems to make the disturbing confession from his deathbed. The last thing Montresor says to Fortunato is “In pace requiescat” which means “In peace may he rest” (557)! This is what Montresor wants for himself, this is why he confesses his sins. Works Cited Poe, Edgar Allan. "The Cask of Amontillado." Read and write about literature. Filippo Sipiora. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2008.