The Cask of Amontillado

Lucky Sickness

Guiding Question: What if Fortunato hadn't been sick?

Montresor's plan would not have gone as smooth as it did.

"It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will"(96). Without Fortunato being sick, it would have been a lot harder for Montresor to convey his good intentions. He noticed right away that Fortunato was sick and suggested they not proceed. "The vaults are insufferably damp. They are encrusted with nitre"(97), said Montresor. He knew that Fortunato was a wine connoisseur and would not turn down an Amontillado. Montresor even went as far as saying, "we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was"(97). He truly won over the trust of Fortunato. Not only suggesting they not go down to the vaults, but turning around as well.

Someone who says, "the cough is a mere nothing: it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough"(97), is not weak. Fortunato is a fighter, maybe not with his fists, but mentally. A mentally strong person would not sit there and let someone chain them up. But chaining up Fortunato was done with ease. He didn't fight back, "he was too much astounded to resist"(99), Montresor thought to himself. In most cases, shock causes people to freeze. Being sick and drunk does not help your reaction time either. Fortunato showed he was truly feeling weak, when Montresor "again [offered Fortunato] his arm. He leaned upon it heavily"(98). Almost as if he was using Montresor as a crutch.

It's safe to say Fortunato would not have been so willing to enter the vaults, if it weren't for the compassion of Montresor. He also would have put up more of a fight if it were not for his condition. Montresor got lucky, and his plan went a lot smoother than expected.

...