Poes The Cask of Amontillado A Psychological Analysis...

Poes The Cask of Amontillado: A Psychological Analysis of Characters Widely regarded as E. A. Poes finest story, The Cask of Amontillado depicts a deed so horrific that for many it defines evil. Edmund Clarence Stedman said of Poes writings: He strove by a kind of divination to put his hand upon the links of mind and matter, and reach the hiding-places of the soul. Even though 20th century theories of psychology would not be formulated until many years after Poes death, he nevertheless delved into the realm of abnormal psychology instinctively and perhaps never with a more terrifying outcome than in the character of Montressor, a man so bent upon revenge that he walls his enemy up in a crypt and leaves him to die. Is†¦show more content†¦He casually mentions that he has forgotten Montressors family coat of arms, another slight, and when Montressor later tells him that he is a member of the brotherhood of Masons, Fortunato insults him yet again by responding, You? Impossible! A mason? (242). His implication that Montressor is lying is unmistak able. Duan Hsi Yen holds shame to be synonymous with insult and says that in situations were self-esteem is insufficient, persistent and severe attacks may reach the inner core of the soul, leading to the response of rage and violence. If we concede that Montressor suffers from some type of mental disorder, it becomes easy to see how he could be driven to commit a violent act by Fortunatos casual insensitivity. Fortunato is also extremely naive in his intoxicated state. During their journey through the catacombs, Montressor offers numerous clues regarding his diabolical intention, but Fortunato seems incapable of deciphering them. Certainly, even if Montressors many obscure ironic gestures escape Fortunato (as when Montressor drinks to his long life, offers him De Grave, and describes the snake being crushed under a heel in his coat of arms), he should be alarmed at the site of the trowel and suspicious of the depth to which they are descending. Instead, he trudges drunkenly along, focused only onShow MoreRelatedThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allan Poe1575 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado.† Montresor plots and kills an unwary friend/foe during carnival time for motives that are unclear. The author of this tale, Edgar Allan Poe, influenced by his somewhat tragic life and one of the most influential Gothic writers, uses symbolism and irony to show the multitude of complicated motives of the narrator in his famous horror story. Upon examining Edgar Allan Poe’s life, one is not surprised that he chooses to write such gloomy and sinister stories. 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It is created by the author in accordance with his vision and is permeated with his idea of the world. The reader’s interpretation is also highly individual and depends to a great extent on his knowledge and personal experience. That’s why one cannot lay down a fixed â€Å"model†