The Cask of Amontillado

Lucky Sickness

Guiding Question: What if Fortunato hadn’t been sick?

Montresor’s plan would not have gone as smooth as it did.

“It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will”(96). Without Fortunato being sick, it would have been a lot harder for Montresor to convey his good intentions. He noticed right away that Fortunato was sick and suggested they not proceed. “The vaults are insufferably damp. They are encrusted with nitre”(97), said Montresor. He knew that Fortunato was a wine connoisseur and would not turn down an Amontillado. Montresor even went as far as saying, “we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was”(97). He truly won over the trust of Fortunato. Not only suggesting they not go down to the vaults, but turning around as well.

Someone who says, “the cough is a mere nothing: it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough”(97), is not weak. Fortunato is a fighter, maybe not with his fists, but mentally. A mentally