The story in one page
The narrator decides to punish his acquaintance, Fortunato, for a vague string of past insults. Using Fortunato’s pride in his wine expertise as bait, the narrator mentions a questionable pipe of Amontillado stored in his remote vaults. Despite the carnival festivities and the severe dampness of the catacombs, Fortunato insists on verifying the wine's quality. Once deep underground, the narrator chains the drunk, confused man to a granite wall. Methodically, he bricks up the entrance to the niche. When his victim’s panicked jests fade into silence, he finishes the wall and leaves him for dead, remaining undetected for fifty years.
Who's who
- Montresor
The narrator who carries out a calculated, permanent act of revenge.
- Fortunato
An arrogant wine enthusiast who follows a bait into his grave.
- Luchesi
A rival expert whose name is used to manipulate Fortunato's pride.
What it's really about
- Professionalism in Murder
- The narrator values efficiency and avoiding detection above all else.
- The Cost of Vanity
- Fortunato’s obsession with his connoisseurship proves lethal.
Why it's memorable
- A man wearing bells and a silk mask walking into his own tomb.
- A torch thrown into a small gap, met only by the sound of bells.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
The narrator completes the wall, leaving the victim buried behind a rampart of bones for fifty years.
For your book club
- Revenge is a cold, quiet project.
- Professional pride makes for an effective leash.