“The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” both revolve around revenge and a cruel determination that ultimately leads to death. The narrators, pushed to the brink of insanity, recount their stories from their own perspectives, adding a bone-chilling depth to their crimes and their characters. Motivated by their egos and a troubling fixation with their victims, these men seek violent retribution through carefully planned acts of murder. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor meticulously plans his revenge against Fortunato, considering every detail, such as selecting the perfect time – during carnival – when his servants would be absent and the town distracted. He executes his plan with unwavering confidence, never wavering or questioning his actions. Montresor even pretends to be concerned for Fortunato’s well-being as they venture through the catacombs, blaming the nitre and dampness while secretly intending to carry out his malicious scheme without hesitation.Fortunato never suspected any foul plans until the very end, while the narrator in “The Tell-Tale Heart” carefully plots and sneaks into the old man’s room every night, preparing for the moment when he is ready to execute his plans. The narrator’s dissatisfaction persists.
Both stories focus on acts of deadly revenge that are carried out in a cruel and callous manner. The individuals responsible for these actions are described as being cold, calculating, and contemplative, as they meticulously plan their revenge against those who have wronged them. For Fortunato, it was his insults towards Montresor that fueled his desire for retribution. As for the man from “The Tell-Tale Heart,” it was the old man’s chilling eye that haunted him. The overwhelming obsession drives them to the point of madness, leading them to plot the murder of their offenders. Interestingly, both tales are narrated by the perpetrators themselves, and it becomes evident that their insanity is growing as they confess their crimes. Montresor’s unfailing ease in recounting the events, and the jagged and rough delivery of the man from “The Tell-Tale Heart,” highlight their distinct mental instability. As a result, the reliability of their testimonies is called into question.
