In "The Cask of Amontillado," there are two conflicts upon which the plot hinges: the conflict, or problem, of Montesor against Fortunato as he tricks the connossieur of wine to enter his family tombs in order to task the Amontillado, and the efforts of Montesor "to not only punish, but punish with impunity." That is, Montesor feels he must deceive Fortunato, yet later allow him to understand what act of vengeance has been committed against him.
To accomplish these almost contradictory tasks, Montesor urges Fortunato to drink, then he urges him to turn back as the tomb becomes damper, feigning his concern in order to deceive him. While so doing, Montesor hints at his vengeful act, stating that he is a "mason," using a pun upon the word, that Fortunato will realize only when it is too late and he is walled in. As Fortunato is walled in, Montesor repeats Fortunato's plea with mock irony: "Yes,...for the love of God."
However, Montesor does not receive a reply as he wishes:
But to these words I hearned in vain for a reply....No answer...No answer still.
Montesor complains that his "heart grew sick," but makes the excuse "on account of the dampness of the catacombs." Perhaps, then, only one conflict is resolved. The acknowledgement of Montesor's insidious plan has not been given by Fortunato.
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