1、1Course: Selected Readings in American LiteratureAn Impressive Image in “The Cask of Amontillado”“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe is really attractive. In this short story, Allan Poe not only tells us an attractive and interesting story but also shows us an impressive and powerful image-
2、Montresor. Allan Poe presents such an impressive person to us from two aspects-Montresors psychology and his words and deeds.On one hand, Allan Poe describes a horrific and terrible person Montresor through his psychological activity. After had borne “the thousands injuries”, Montresor makes up his
3、mind to punish Fortunado when he ventures upon insult him. This point is definitively settled. However, he should work out a perfect plan and put it into action without any risk. According to his understanding, he believes that “I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed
4、 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.” He not only wants to take revenge on Fortunado but also decides to make Fortunado know that it is him Montresor who does this revenge on. And as fo
5、r him, he must live his life as usual without any punishment and doubts from other people after this revenge action. So he thinks that “neither by words nor deeds had he given Fortunado cause to doubt his good will.” He knows Fortunado very well, especially his weakness，and he determines to take adv
6、antage of Fortunados these weaknesses to revenge himself on his insult. Just look at this thoughts, it is enough to send cold shivers down on us.On the other hand, Allan Poe show us a gentleman through Montresors words and deeds. When Montresor meets Fortunado, he gives him a big smile and a warm ha
7、ndshake. This is a typical action when two friends meet. Naturally, he talks with Fortunado. He says to 2him that “my dear Fortunado, you are luckily met. How remarkable well you are looking today. But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts.” Even worse, he is “s
8、illy enough to pay the full Amontillado price without consulting Fortunado in the matter.” Furthermore, he says to Fortunado that “as you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchresi. If any one has a critical turn it is he. He will tell me.” Thus he succeeds in arousing Fortunados interest because he kn
9、ows well that Fotunado is addicted to alcohol and very conceived. He takes fully use of this point and makes Fortunado be willing to do what he has planned. Now Fortunado is eager to go to the vault and taste the Amontllado although Montresor stresses that the vault is “insufferably damp” and this r
10、eally does harm to his health. Unfortunately, Fortunado just cares the Amontillado and insists on going. So they go to the vault. On their way to the vault, Montresor says again and again, with decision, “we will go back; your health is precious .we will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be res
11、ponsible.” Owing to “you are rich, respected, admired and beloved” and considering “your health”, “we will go back. Besides, there is Luchresi”. And some words like these. When they are in the vault, Montersor advises that they should drink some alcohol, which can defend them from the damps. Besides
12、 he lets Fortunado take his arm on their way. They are talking on their way and drinking now and then. Under this friendly and harmonious atmosphere, Montresor finally and successfully put his plan into action. Listening to Montresors words and looking at his deeds, there is no one who can say that
13、he is not a gentleman, a considerate person and a good friend.Finally, when we finished this short story and compared Montresors psychology with his words and deeds, we can see a clear difference between his interior and exterior. This 3obvious difference strengthens the impression of Montresor on our readers minds. All in all, Allan Poe uses his polished language through two aspects with detailed description to create an obvious difference to present this impressive image to readers. And it leaves a deep impression in readers minds.
