Amontillado and the Catacomb
After reading the short story, The Cask of Amontillado, I was able to uncover numerous symbols. Each symbol plays a vital role in better understanding the story and the actions portrayed. The symbols I was able to identify include the Amontillado, Fortunato's outfit, Montressor family motto, and the catacomb. All four things can be viewed on a deeper level, in order to piece together the true meaning of the story.
The first and most evident symbol of the story was found in the title. The infamous Amontillado wine. A wine that Montressor was believed to have within his cellar. Although this just appears to be a type of wine, it portrays a completely different meaning beneath the surface. This wine directly correlates to the type of man Fortunato is made out to be. As this wine is held to such a high standard, it truly speaks to his customs. As he only settles for the best. "He prided himself in his connoisseurship in wine" (236). His truly materialistic self was revealed, as he would do whatever it took, in regards to wine.
It was one evening, in the midst of carnival season, when Montressor encountered his so called friend, Fortunato. Fortunato had been drinking and was dressed as some sort of clown or "fool". "The man wore motley. He had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells" (237). This quote from the text described what he was wearing. This is symbolic because in the end, Fortunato looked like a fool. Both because of his outfit and the actions he took, in order to get him into the depths of Montressor's Catacombs. For it would be the last of his days.
As they are exploring the Luchresi in search for the Amontillado, Fortunato asked Montressor a question. "And the Motto?” "Nemo me impune lacessit" (238) Montressor replied. This translates to "no one attacks me with impunity". This is symbolic because it speaks to Montressor's true roots. The end result of the story,...