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  • Essay / Montresor's complex personality: resentment and Machiavellianism

    Table of contentsEnvyResentmentMachiavellismConclusion "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story that tells of the revenge of the protagonist, Montresor, against his acquaintance, Fortunato. Montresor's elaborate plan to lure Fortunato to his cellar and bury him alive is a reflection of his complex personality traits, including envy, resentment, and Machiavellianism. By analyzing Montresor's traits, this essay seeks to highlight his motivations and contribute to a deeper understanding of his character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Envy First, Montresor's envy is a driving force behind his plan to assassinate Fortunato. Throughout the story, Montresor expresses his resentment towards Fortunato, who is a successful wine connoisseur and a Freemason. This desire is particularly evident when Montresor says: “He had one weak point – this Fortunato – although in other respects he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his knowledge of wines” (Poe, 1846). . Montresor's envy is not only limited to Fortunato's achievements but also extends to his reputation and social status. By eliminating Fortunato, Montresor believes he can restore his own sense of pride and assert dominance over him. Resentment Secondly, resentment is also a major factor in Montresor's personality. This resentment is the result of a past insult that Fortunato inflicted on Montresor. Although the nature of the insult is never explicitly addressed in the story, it is clear that it is significant enough to have a lasting impact on Montresor's emotional state. This is evident when Montresor says, “I had borne Fortunato's thousand wounds as best I could, but when he ventured to insult him, I swore revenge” (Poe, 1846). Montresor's resentment speaks to the idea that he is a vengeful person who holds grudges for a long time.MachiavellianismFinally, Montresor's Machiavellianism is the most striking of all his personality traits. Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by manipulation, deception, and lack of empathy. Montresor embodies all of these traits, as evidenced by his use of deception to lure Fortunato to his cellar and his heartless assassination. Montresor not only plans his revenge carefully, but also executes it with precision, demonstrating his Machiavellian tendencies. Additionally, Montresor's language throughout the story is manipulative and calculated, as he seeks to gain Fortunato's trust and then use it for his own gain. This is evident when Montresor says: “My dear Fortunato, you are fortunately met” (Poe, 1846). Montresor's Machiavellianism is a manifestation of his cunning and ruthless personality.Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom paper from our expert writers now.Get a custom essayConclusionIn conclusion, the complex plan Montresor's revenge against Fortunato is a reflection of his complex personality traits, namely envy, resentment and Machiavellianism. Montresor's envy of Fortunato's achievements and social status, his resentment of a past insult, and his Machiavellian tendencies to manipulate and deceive make him a multidimensional and intriguing character. By analyzing Montresor's traits, we can better understand his motivations and explore the complexity of his character. Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" remains a classic example of psychological horror and is a timeless study in the aspects..