Question

One of the most chilling aspects of “The Cask of Amontillado” is that Montresor, from the beginning, makes clear to the reader his belief that he is completely justified in his horrific actions. This story is not an admission of guilt, but rather, a proud justification of a crime he has committed.

Your assignment is to write a speech on behalf of Montresor to defend his actions in a court of law. Montresor believes he is innocent of all guilt. What do you think he would say to a jury? Poe does not reveal the nature of Fortunato’s insult to Montresor, only that Montresor has been insulted. You will have to fill in the rest.

Write from Montresor’s point of view in the first person. Use quotes and details from the text to support your argument.

Answer 1

In view of the accusations made against me, I decided to speak in front of you and justify the acts that led me to exercise such actions with Mr. Fortunato.

I believe that the lords of the Jury and the judge present here will understand my motives and will know the real reason for my conduct.

I met Mr. Fortunato as soon as I moved to the region where I currently live, at the beginning of my move Mr. Fortunato proved to be a good neighbor, but little did I know the problems that awaited me and that would be caused by that man.

Fortunato constantly told rumors and untruths about me to the whole neighborhood, removing any sense of friendship that I might have established, I started to be hated and to hear insults daily that aroused a feeling of gigantic aversion in me, because I was with the honor and the reputation hurt and I couldn't let it go.

I asked Mr. Fortunato what he had done and he completely denied all the accusations I threw at him, besides laughing and mocking my suturing. This irritated me deeply and I needed to relieve my wounded pride and take revenge on Mr. Fortunato for causing me harm and laughing at me soon after. So I planned to kill him, but make him pay for the agony I felt, so we would be even.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speech shown above was made using simple and direct language, with few details, as this is a strong characteristic of Montresor, as can be seen in the reading of the short story written by Poe.

In addition, I decided to use a futile reason to clarify the reason that made Montresor offended Fortunato, to show the emotional imbalance and signs of psychological problems that the character presents in the narrative.