“Cask of Amontillado” is a dark but romantic story that illustrates the horrors of evil. Poe portrays revenge and murder in the tale as expressed by Montresor and Fortunato who are the main characters. Amontillado means sherry in Spanish, referring to fortified wine, while the cask is the barrel. Montresor is the murderer and the narrator, while Fortunato is the tale’s victim and the wine connoisseur. Cask of Amontillado is a spoken story that contains dramatic irony since the audience is aware of something unknown to the character, thus creating suspense to the reader. “No one attacks me with impunity” is a statement made by Montresor, meaning that no one should attack him nor go against him.
Cask of Amontillado is a satirical story where Fortunato is not aware of the plot of being killed by Montresor, yet the reader is aware of the plan from the beginning. Montresor plans elaborately on luring Fortunato to the catacombs underneath his house to criticize him for an insult Fortunato inflicted on him, yet he is not aware. The audience is aware of Montresor’s grudge against Fortunato and plans to take revenge because to him, anyone who goes against him must receive punishment. Montresor believes in the motto, “No one attacks me with impunity” since any action, contrary to his idea, results in repercussions. Montresor believes that the punishment comes with impunity, although he should not expect any consequences for his actions.
The story about the Cask of Amontillado is a dramatic story with revenge and evil deeds. Montresor plans revenge towards Fortunato, arguing that he wronged him yet Fortunato has no knowledge about it. The avenger, Montresor, believes in impunity because no one should go against him. After all, it results in consequences.