Saturday, December 6, 2014

How does the meaning of Montresor's name in "The Cask of Amontillado" relate to what "makes" him seek revenge upon Fortunato?

Montresor
means "my treasure" or "my valuables." Taken in tandem with other family
emblems, it would indicate that what he values is family pride. Since Montresor suffered a
thousand injuries patiently and then felt compelled to seek revenge when Fortunato
insulted him, we can assume that Montresor's sense of honor is his
treasure. As Montresor puts it:

The thousand injuries of
Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed
revenge.

In other words, Montresor can bear being
harmedperhaps economically or even physically, by Fortunatobut what he can't stand is having his
pride hurt. Somehow, Fortunato has belittled or acted superior to Montresor or his family in a
way that is unforgivable.

This connects well with the family motto,
"Nemo me impune lacessit." This motto promises revenge, saying that no one who harms
the family will escape punishment. The family crest shows a foot crushing a snake that has its
fangs imbedded in a heel.

If Montresor is to be...

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