The Cask of Amontillado

short story by Edgar Allan Poe

"The Cask of Amontillado" (sometimes spelled "The Casque of Amontillado") is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe. It was first published in Godey's Lady's Book in November 1846.

"The Cask of Amontillado"
Illustration by Harry Clarke, 1919
AuthorEdgar Allan Poe
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Genre(s)Horror
Published inGodey's Lady's Book
Media typePrint
Publication dateNovember 1846

Story change

The narrator [Montresor] talks to a priest about his sin. Montresor wants to take revenge on Fortunato for an insult.

During a masquerade (ball where people wear masks) in the city. Fortunato is dressed in a jester's costume. Montresor tells Fortunato he has bought a wine called amontillado. He wants Fortunato to test it to be sure it is real. Montresor leads Fortunato into his underground catacombs/wine cellar to test the wine. When there, Montressor chains Fortunato and then walls him up alive in a niche.

Fortunato cries out "For the love of God, Montresor!" to which Montresor replies, "Yes, for the love of God!" He twice calls out for a reply but hears nothing. Before placing the last stone, he drops a burning torch through the gap, but hears only the jester's bells ringing.

The crime took place 50 years before... Montressor expresses no regrets except for remarking about Fortunato: In pace requiescat! ("May he rest in peace!").

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