AP English Literature Study Guide: Character Analysis in "The Cask of Amontillado"

Welcome! Let's dive into the intricacies of character relationships using Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tale, "The Cask of Amontillado." This guide will help you understand how characters interact with themselves, their allies, and their enemies, focusing on the subtle nuances that make these relationships so compelling. Let's get started!

Character Descriptions in "The Cask of Amontillado"

In "The Cask of Amontillado," we encounter two primary characters: Montresor, the narrator, and Fortunato. The story's first-person perspective allows us to see events through Montresor's eyes, making his character all the more intriguing. To analyze these characters effectively, we'll focus on introductory passages and moments of change.

Description of Montresor

Montresor introduces himself with a powerful opening:

“The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that gave utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely, settled --but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.”

Analysis

Montresor's desire for impunity—freedom from punishment—is crucial. He won't get caught. This explains his secrecy and why he never threatens Fortunato directly.

“It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will. I continued, as was my in to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my to smile now was at the thought of his immolation.”

The chilling line, "A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong,” shows Montresor's determination to make Fortunato suffer.

Description of Fortunato

Montresor describes Fortunato's weakness:

“He had a weak point --this Fortunato --although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine… Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack, but in the matter of old wines he was sincere.”

This reveals that Fortunato is prideful about his wine expertise, which Montresor plans to exploit.

When Fortunato appears, he's vulnerable:

“It was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my friend. He accosted me with excessive warmth, for he had been drinking much. The man wore motley. He had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells. I was so pleased to see him that I thought I should never have done wringing his hand.”

Analysis

Fortunato is introduced during the chaotic carnival season, heavily intoxicated, and dressed as a jester, or “motley.” This costume adds to the irony, as he is the “fool” being deceived by Montresor. His excessive warmth towards Montresor contrasts sharply with Montresor's true feelings.

Character Relationships in "The Cask of Amontillado"

Let's examine the relationship between Montresor and Fortunato on both interpersonal and narrative levels.

Interpersonally, Fortunato genuinely likes Montresor, while Montresor feigns friendship to conceal his vengeful intentions. This creates a nuanced character relationship, where Montresor's actions are driven by his complex views on revenge.

Narratively, Montresor is the protagonist—the character the plot follows—even though he's not a "good guy.