Comments on: Notes on Poe’s “Cask of Amontillado” http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/ English Professor, New Media Specialist, Photographer Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:42:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Stephen http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-204 Stephen Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:00:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-204 The Masonic trowel, to me, is clearly foreshadowing. This is a story about vengeance, pure and simple. The bitterness of Montresor stems from "as I once was". The mystery to me is what caused his financial and social collapse. I never tire of reading it and actually re-worked the themes for a story printed in a motorcycle club newsletter, centering around Ducati motorcycles. The Masonic trowel, to me, is clearly foreshadowing. This is a story about vengeance, pure and simple. The bitterness of Montresor stems from “as I once was”. The mystery to me is what caused his financial and social collapse. I never tire of reading it and actually re-worked the themes for a story printed in a motorcycle club newsletter, centering around Ducati motorcycles.

]]> By: nick http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-202 nick Mon, 05 May 2008 04:01:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-202 if im not mistaken, many of Poe's stories are about one character trying to get to deep slumber and others in the story are aspects of their psyche, like "The Raven" and "Fall of the House of Usher." is this one any different? Now, im not certain this story is also about sleep, but here's a few things to roll around.. <br/>Montresor is wearing a black silk mask and roquelaire (cloak). Sounds a little like pajamas.. a robe and one of those sleeping masks?<br/>Withdrawl is Poe's first sleep stage, entering the catacombs could be withdrawl..<br/>Stage 2 is the hypnogogic stage, a blending of reality and dream, (not sure what in the story this relates to)<br/>Stage 3- fantasy, or REM.. "His eyes flashed with a feirce light" eyes flashing could be REM.<br/>Stage 4- deep slumber. perhaps fortunado's death? or maybe montresor fails to reach deep slumber?<br/>perhaps Fortunado represents something within Montresor that he has repressed, walled up some emotion..<br/>another quick thought.. Poe struggeled with alchoholism quite a bit, maybe he is alluding to his own desire to bury that side of himself if im not mistaken, many of Poe’s stories are about one character trying to get to deep slumber and others in the story are aspects of their psyche, like “The Raven” and “Fall of the House of Usher.” is this one any different? Now, im not certain this story is also about sleep, but here’s a few things to roll around..
Montresor is wearing a black silk mask and roquelaire (cloak). Sounds a little like pajamas.. a robe and one of those sleeping masks?
Withdrawl is Poe’s first sleep stage, entering the catacombs could be withdrawl..
Stage 2 is the hypnogogic stage, a blending of reality and dream, (not sure what in the story this relates to)
Stage 3- fantasy, or REM.. “His eyes flashed with a feirce light” eyes flashing could be REM.
Stage 4- deep slumber. perhaps fortunado’s death? or maybe montresor fails to reach deep slumber?
perhaps Fortunado represents something within Montresor that he has repressed, walled up some emotion..
another quick thought.. Poe struggeled with alchoholism quite a bit, maybe he is alluding to his own desire to bury that side of himself

]]> By: jordan http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-198 jordan Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:23:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-198 Troy you are a very smart man you have helped me do my project on poe I never thought of the religous allusions like that but the way you connect that is brilliant Troy you are a very smart man you have helped me do my project on poe I never thought of the religous allusions like that but the way you connect that is brilliant

]]> By: alek http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-173 alek Tue, 08 May 2007 03:36:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-173 I'm reading this story for a lit analysis class, the 11 layers of brick jumped out at me as well. The number 11 is one and one and he is building this wall separating the two. This leads to so many more parallels y'all already mentioned that may or may not elude to heaven and hell; but still thought provoking. Also in shakespears sonnet 66 the 11 lines following the one speaking of tiered burial all start with A, interesting I’m reading this story for a lit analysis class, the 11 layers of brick jumped out at me as well. The number 11 is one and one and he is building this wall separating the two. This leads to so many more parallels y’all already mentioned that may or may not elude to heaven and hell; but still thought provoking. Also in shakespears sonnet 66 the 11 lines following the one speaking of tiered burial all start with A, interesting

]]> By: Jerry http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-65 Jerry Sat, 22 Jul 2006 18:03:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-65 That’s a pretty interesting view on the story, Troy. I never thought of it that way. That’s a pretty interesting view on the story, Troy. I never thought of it that way.

]]> By: Troy http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-64 Troy Sat, 22 Jul 2006 18:02:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-64 Perhaps the thing that I find most intriguing about the piece is all of the religious allusions, subtle and not so subtle. I wonder if Poe is simply manipulating the symbols for amusement. In the back of my mind I can’t help but think that he is making some sort of deeper commentary or statement. A statement about religion, the church, hypocrisy, I’m not sure.<br/><br/>Maybe I am trying to push the images too far; trying to squeeze out something that just isn’t there. Either way here are the things I have been considering:<br/><br/>As you state the story is told as a confession to “You who know my soul so well.” This seems to indicate a priest.<br/><br/>We see that the “Carnival” is taking place on the surface. This would be the party thrown right before Lent. Perhaps it is even Fat Tuesday. It is the reason Fortunato is dressed as the fool that he is to become literally.<br/><br/>It is in stark contrast to the darkness and murderous doom going on right underneath the surface. This is represented by Montressor’s happy smiling face but murderous intent.<br/><br/>If Fortunato is symbolized by the foot on the coat of arms then what sort of Christ figure does he represent? He is sacrificed, put to death by Montressor. Fortunato is chained through staples in the wall. The Christ of the Bible was nailed (stapled) to a cross. Christ “wins” by dying, does Fortunato?<br/><br/>Another thought: The Apostle’s Creed says of Christ, “He descended into hell.” This is possibly pictured by the two men continually descending into the catacombs.<br/><br/>Montressor is not Fortunato’s equal according to Montressor himself: “You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was.”<br/><br/>I think that your idea of holy fool can be pressed farther because, the Bible is full of passages that say that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who don’t believe. It says that the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom. Is this why Fortunato is dressed as a fool? Who is the real fool?<br/><br/>As far as the Masonic reference, this one eludes me the most. I am probably pushing the religious theme here because most Freemasons do not necessarily call themselves a religious group. However, they do have various ritualistic practices and particular doctrines that they teach. I thought that the eleven rows of bricks might be noteworthy but of the 30+ degrees in freemasonry there doesn’t seem to be any correlation. There are a significant amount of men who consider themselves Christians and they participate in Freemasonry so perhaps that is the connection.<br/><br/>Conclusion: Maybe Poe is making a statement about church hypocrisy. The outer surface is party and celebration, an act. The reality is that people bury their belief, their “fortune” deeply inside. Perhaps people feel “fortunate” to have their “treasure”. But it dies inside them as it sits there for years, forgotten. And feel no guilt or shame. Believers brick up their belief in Christ foolishly. In realty they who claim Christ treat him as the fool. They are tired of the insults because the law convicts their sin.<br/><br/>As far as the Freemasons and the trowel—maybe he is pointing out that the actions/rituals, “gesticulations” of the Masons are empty and “grotesque”. There is nothing real or concrete as with working as with a trowel and mortar.<br/><br/>“For the love of God—”<br/>“Yes—For the love of God.”<br/><br/>Then again, maybe I go too far. Perhaps the thing that I find most intriguing about the piece is all of the religious allusions, subtle and not so subtle. I wonder if Poe is simply manipulating the symbols for amusement. In the back of my mind I can’t help but think that he is making some sort of deeper commentary or statement. A statement about religion, the church, hypocrisy, I’m not sure.

Maybe I am trying to push the images too far; trying to squeeze out something that just isn’t there. Either way here are the things I have been considering:

As you state the story is told as a confession to “You who know my soul so well.” This seems to indicate a priest.

We see that the “Carnival” is taking place on the surface. This would be the party thrown right before Lent. Perhaps it is even Fat Tuesday. It is the reason Fortunato is dressed as the fool that he is to become literally.

It is in stark contrast to the darkness and murderous doom going on right underneath the surface. This is represented by Montressor’s happy smiling face but murderous intent.

If Fortunato is symbolized by the foot on the coat of arms then what sort of Christ figure does he represent? He is sacrificed, put to death by Montressor. Fortunato is chained through staples in the wall. The Christ of the Bible was nailed (stapled) to a cross. Christ “wins” by dying, does Fortunato?

Another thought: The Apostle’s Creed says of Christ, “He descended into hell.” This is possibly pictured by the two men continually descending into the catacombs.

Montressor is not Fortunato’s equal according to Montressor himself: “You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was.”

I think that your idea of holy fool can be pressed farther because, the Bible is full of passages that say that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who don’t believe. It says that the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom. Is this why Fortunato is dressed as a fool? Who is the real fool?

As far as the Masonic reference, this one eludes me the most. I am probably pushing the religious theme here because most Freemasons do not necessarily call themselves a religious group. However, they do have various ritualistic practices and particular doctrines that they teach. I thought that the eleven rows of bricks might be noteworthy but of the 30+ degrees in freemasonry there doesn’t seem to be any correlation. There are a significant amount of men who consider themselves Christians and they participate in Freemasonry so perhaps that is the connection.

Conclusion: Maybe Poe is making a statement about church hypocrisy. The outer surface is party and celebration, an act. The reality is that people bury their belief, their “fortune” deeply inside. Perhaps people feel “fortunate” to have their “treasure”. But it dies inside them as it sits there for years, forgotten. And feel no guilt or shame. Believers brick up their belief in Christ foolishly. In realty they who claim Christ treat him as the fool. They are tired of the insults because the law convicts their sin.

As far as the Freemasons and the trowel—maybe he is pointing out that the actions/rituals, “gesticulations” of the Masons are empty and “grotesque”. There is nothing real or concrete as with working as with a trowel and mortar.

“For the love of God—”
“Yes—For the love of God.”

Then again, maybe I go too far.

]]> By: Troy http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-62 Troy Sat, 22 Jul 2006 18:01:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-62 I find much of your comments interesting but I wonder what your take is on the coat of arms discussed in the story. Specifically the image that is on it.”A huge human foot d’or, in a field of azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.” This has obvious origins in the Bible. Specifically Genesis 3:15 “…he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” (The “he” refering to the Christ and the “you” refering to the serpent.) I do not think Poe put this image in by mistake. It seems he could be making some sort of religious statement.<br/><br/>There is also the mention of the brotherhood of the freemasons in the story as well, and the mocking of it by Montresor with the mason’s trowel. Maybe another religious allusion. Just wanted to get your input. I find much of your comments interesting but I wonder what your take is on the coat of arms discussed in the story. Specifically the image that is on it.”A huge human foot d’or, in a field of azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.” This has obvious origins in the Bible. Specifically Genesis 3:15 “…he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” (The “he” refering to the Christ and the “you” refering to the serpent.) I do not think Poe put this image in by mistake. It seems he could be making some sort of religious statement.

There is also the mention of the brotherhood of the freemasons in the story as well, and the mocking of it by Montresor with the mason’s trowel. Maybe another religious allusion. Just wanted to get your input.

]]> By: Jerry http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/comment-page-1/#comment-63 Jerry Sat, 22 Jul 2006 18:01:00 +0000 http://grlucas.net/2004/02/18/notes-on-poe%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ccask-of-amontillado%e2%80%9d/#comment-63 Indeed, Montresor as Satan figure. Of course, I’ll buy that. Yet, the image of the heal also suggests that Montresor is nothing but a snake, not even Fortunato’s equal, but desirous to be superior, like Lucifer to God. Fortunato could be seen, in this case, as a holy fool, or innocent blessed and kept by God. Yet, in the final twist, it is the nihilistic actions of Montresor that seal — quite literally — Fortunato’s fate. Kind of like waving a trowel in the face of a mason, eh? As for the trowel as religious imagery, I’m not sure; nothing comes to mind except what I’ve stated above. What do you think? Indeed, Montresor as Satan figure. Of course, I’ll buy that. Yet, the image of the heal also suggests that Montresor is nothing but a snake, not even Fortunato’s equal, but desirous to be superior, like Lucifer to God. Fortunato could be seen, in this case, as a holy fool, or innocent blessed and kept by God. Yet, in the final twist, it is the nihilistic actions of Montresor that seal — quite literally — Fortunato’s fate. Kind of like waving a trowel in the face of a mason, eh? As for the trowel as religious imagery, I’m not sure; nothing comes to mind except what I’ve stated above. What do you think?

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