Montresor Revenge Analysis

Revenge is a highly emotional form of justice. The desire for vengeance is also what leads Montresor to murder his friend, Fortunato, in Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado.” Montresor has been discredited by his friend, and his pride leads him to seek retribution. He shrewdly plays upon Fortunato’s fondness of wine to lead him to his death in the catacombs of Italy, with the promise of a cask of amontillado. Although it is not clear what Fortunato did to warrant such vengeance, Montresor vows that his friend will never insult him again. Though some people believe that revenge is an acceptable means of justice, typically it generates more enmity and suffering than resolution, as proven by Eric Jaffe in “The Complicated Psychology of Revenge.” In Montresor’s mind, his vengeance is entirely moral according to his ideas of personal honor. However, contrary to Montresor’s beliefs revenge is never a justifiable solution to an issue and causes additional harm.
Vengeance is often an impulsive conclusion and perpetuates violence. Instead of solving issues, the act of retribution causes more harm. At
In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Poe tells the tale of Montresor, and how by seeking vengeance, he not only murders his friend, but poisons his own soul with the grief of the felony he commits. While some may argue that revenge brings solace to a victim, Eric Jaffe shows how revenge ultimately “fails to fulfill its . . . expectations.” Vengeance does not only hurt the prey, but also the perpetrator. Watching another person suffer does not cause one’s own troubles to cease, but increases the overall misery of the situation. “It is commonly said that revenge is sweet, but to a calm and considerate mind, patience and forgiveness are sweeter” (Isaac Barrow). As the great philosopher Confucius once said, "before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two