Final answer:
The question of Montresor's justification for revenge in "The Cask of Amontillado" depends on one's interpretation. While he believes himself justified, the extreme nature of his actions suggests otherwise, bringing into question the principles of justice and retribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether Montresor is justified in his revenge against Fortunato in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" is a complex issue, with different readers potentially arriving at different conclusions. On the one hand, some might argue that Montresor is justified because Fortunato insulted him, an affront Montresor takes very seriously. However, the nature of the insult and whether it warrants such a severe response is not made clear in the story. On the other hand, one could argue that no insult could justify the premeditated and cruel entombment that Montresor inflicts upon Fortunato. It is clear that Montresor's actions are extreme and morally reprehensible, despite his belief in his own justification. The moral ambiguity and the extreme nature of the revenge highlight the complexities of justice and retribution in human relationships.