Final answer:
In 'The Cask of Amontillado,' Poe illustrates that revenge leads to destruction and regret, through the calculated and ultimately regretful actions of Montresor.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado, the theme of revenge is explored through the actions of the narrator, Montresor. The story demonstrates that revenge leads to destruction and regret. Through meticulous planning and execution, Montresor seeks to punish Fortunato for the insults he has endured, ensuring that he does so with impunity. However, Poe's intricate use of irony and foreshadowing hints at a deeper, unsettling consequence of such a vindictive pursuit. Thus, the correct answer is b) Revenge leads to destruction and regret.