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What is the resolution to the story "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe?

In the opening paragraph, Montresor explains his motive for wanting revenge against Fortunato for a thousand injuries and a recent insult. Then Montresor specifies what he will accept as complete revenge.


At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely settled--but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It...

In the opening paragraph, Montresor explains his motive for wanting revenge against Fortunato for a thousand injuries and a recent insult. Then Montresor specifies what he will accept as complete revenge.



At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely settled--but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.



The resolution to the story will therefore come when Montresor achieves his revenge and makes himself known as such to Fortunato. The main story is about how Montresor lures his victim to his catacombs and keeps him drunk and befuddled until he succeeds in chaining him to the granite and building an elaborate stone wall to conceal him from ever being discovered. The resolution is reached when Montresor completes his wall.



Against the new masonry I re-erected the old rampart of bones. For the half of a century no mortal has disturbed them. In pace requiescat!



He has accomplished what he intended. Fortunato has shown that he is well aware of the identity of the avenger when he cries out, "For the love of God, Montresor!" And, since fifty years have passed, Montresor knows he has committed his murder with impunity. He has cleansed himself of the bitter feelings he had about Fortunato. When he says, "In pace requiescat!" it shows that he no longer hates his victim but actually feels some pity for him. He is not being sarcastic. He sounds relieved because he has successfully achieved "closure" without ever having been suspected of being involved in the disappearance of his "good friend" Fortunato. Montresor has not only tricked Fortunato, but he has tricked everyone who knew Fortunato and everyone in Venice.

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