Pride

2 Pages 554 Words

Pride Can Be a Fatal Trait

Sometimes a person¹s pride can overshadow their good judgment, in turn effecting their actions. The result of this over zealous pride can mean death for the person. In Edgar Allen Poe¹s ³The Cask of Amontillado², Fortunato is a prime example. Through his own desire to show his skill as a wine connoisseur, he causes his own demise. Fortunato¹s pride becomes evident when he and Montresor first meet. When Fortunato learns of Montresor¹s cask of Amontillado, he says ³Luchesi cannot tell Amontillado from Sherry,² (pg 116) of the other connoisseur. He will not allow this other connoisseur to show him up. Fortunato had no reason to demean Luchesi except to keep his own pride intact. He continues throughout the story to demean the skills of Luchesi for the sole purpose of making himself look more skilled. Fortunato¹s good judgment is also clouded by the amount of alcohol he accepts from Montresor. ³A draught of this Medoc will defend us from the damps.² ( pg 117) Montresor says to Fortunato who decides to stay in the damp and starts to drink because his pride will not let him leave. Montresor offers him one final chance to turn back. Once again Fortunato¹s good judgment is overshadowed by his pride. He insists that he is fine, and furthermore, asks for more alcohol. ³I broke and reached him a flagon of De Grave. He emptied it at a breath.² (pg 118) Although Montresor was planning to trap Fortunato once they were deep in the catacombs, he does not force him to go. In fact, several times during the story Montresor offers a way out for Fortunato but Fortunato¹s pride wouldn¹t allow him to give up. Several times it was Fortunato that urges Montresor to take him to the Amontillado pipe. When Montresor says ³My friend, no. I will not impose upon your good nature. I perceive you have an engagement,² (pg 117) Fortunato is quick to respond that he has no engagement. He his desperate to reach the casks an...