Thursday, September 29, 2011

What are three hints Montresor gives to Fortunato for what he intends to do in a "The Cask of Amontillado"?

In the beginning, Fortunato says, “I shall not die of a cough.” Montressor answers him with the words, “True-true.” Montressor knows exactly how Fortunato is going to die- starvation and dehydration behind the wall that he intends to build. Later Fortunato makes a secret sign of the Masons. Montressor does not know the hand sigh, but he tells Fortunato that he is a “mason” and shows him his trowel. They are going to look at a cask of wine. Why would Montressor need a trowel? Then, before they enter the catacombs, Montressor puts on a black silk mask and a cape which represents the devil or death.  Also of interest is the family crest of Montressor. It showsa human foot crushing a serpent whose fangs are imbedded in the heel of the foot. The motto is “Nemo me impune lacessit” which means, “No on wounds me with impunity.” In the eyes of Montressor, the heel is his and the serpent is Fortunato. Montressor believes that he has been wronged and that he must have revenge.

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