Montresor's Unreliable Narrator Essay

In Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The Cask of Amontillado," Poe introduces us to a character named Montresor who is a prime example of an unreliable narrator. An unreliable narrator is a literary device where the narrator's credibility is questioned due to varied factors, such as withholding information, assuming the reader is in agreement, easily lying or manipulating, and revealing dishonesty through body language. Throughout the story, Montresor reveals these characteristics, which cast doubt on the reliability of his narration. One example of Montresor's unreliability is his tendency to withhold information. He doesn't provide a clear motive for his desire to seek revenge against Fortunato. Montresor states, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best …show more content…

By keeping this crucial information unknown, Montresor manipulates the reader's perception of the events that happen. Furthermore, Montresor assumes the reader's agreement with his actions and mindset. He expects the audience to empathize with his desire for revenge without questioning the morality or reason behind it. For instance, when he encounters Fortunato during the carnival, he manipulates him into accompanying him to the catacombs by faking concern for his well-being. Montresor says, "Come, I said, with this decision, we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was." By assuming the reader's like-mindedness with his shady tactics, Montresor attempts to justify his actions and secure their loyalty. Moreover, Montresor easily lies and manipulates throughout the narrative. He repeatedly deceives Fortunato by pretending to be his friend while secretly plotting his death. Montresor's manipulation tops at the conclusion of the story when he entombs Fortunato alive within the