Question

In "The Cask of Amontillado," what does the narrator mean when he seeks to punish with impunity in the first paragraph?

A) He wants to punish without fear of retribution.
B) He seeks a public punishment for the victim.
C) He wishes to punish without consequences.
D) He desires a fair and just punishment.

Answer 1

In "The Cask of Amontillado," to punish with impunity means the narrator seeks to punish without consequences, ensuring his revenge is without risk to himself.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," the narrator seeks to punish with impunity which means he intends to punish without consequences. He desires that his act of revenge against Fortunato should be carried out without fear of retribution or any consequences to himself, ensuring that his vendetta is satisfied while he remains unscathed by justice or penalty. This punishment is therefore neither fair nor just, rather it is meticulously planned to be secret and untraceable back to him.