The Cask of Amontillado - Essay Example

Being the first story I have read which is a psychological thriller and horror story at the same time, I become very much interested and involved with the story. I can say that this is one of the best stories of murder I have ever read as it explores how people with psychological disorders think and why they do the things that they do. In the end, the Tell-Tale Heart also acknowledges the conscience within man by showing how the relentless heartbeat of the old man bothers the murderer. It simply portrays that even though the murderer becomes greatly satisfied because he was able to rid himself of the object of his fear, he still has this innate longing to do what is right as dictated by his conscience.

With the Tell-Tale Heart, Edgar Allan Poe is highly successful in affecting and influencing readers like me.On the other hand, The Cask of Amontillado is a more intricate and complicated plot of murder. I can say that Edgar Allan Poe is able to devise and show the perfect plot for murder. As opposed to The Tell-Tale Heart which tackles paranoia and guilt, the main theme of the story is revenge. From the words of Montressor, "Nemo me impune," "No one insults me without punishment." Being insulted on one occasion by Fortunato, Montressor then thinks of a plan on how to kill the former without him knowing it.

Thus, he lured the victim in tasting his newly bought Amontillado which lies at his catacomb. At the depths of the catacomb, Montressor carried out his horrific dead-he entombed his victim alive and even enjoyed the sound of his loud screams for help.The Cask of Amontillado is the ultimate tale of revenge with its very unpredictable plot. Montressor is a merciless murderer who lacks the capacity to forgive those who wronged him. As opposed to The Tell-Tale Heart, this story tackles the sinful nature of man where he is void of love, mercy, and even compassion.

Montressor has plotted the murder so that he wouldn't get caught in his horrific act. Unlike the paranoid murderer, Montressor rejoices in his murder and never feels guilty over it.