Final answer:
The Montresor coat of arms and motto in "The Cask of Amontillado" symbolizes Montresor's pride and determination for revenge and reflect his character traits of meticulous planning, execution, and his belief in personal retribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description of the Montresor coat of arms and motto in paragraphs 46-49 of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" contributes significantly to the reader's understanding of Montresor's character. The coat of arms features a golden foot crushing a serpent whose fangs are embedded in the foot's heel, with the motto Nemo me impune lacessit, meaning "No one attacks me with impunity."
This imagery symbolizes Montresor's pride and determination for revenge against any insult, and his capacity for carrying out retaliation without pity or remorse.
It directly reflects his meticulous planning and execution of Fortunato's punishment, as well as his sense of superiority and vengeful nature. The motto in particular underscores Montresor's deeply personal belief in avenging any slight against him, which is the driving force behind the narrative of the story.