What evidence suggests that Montresor committed the perfect crime?
In Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story “The Cask of Amontillado,” the protagonist, Montresor, is portrayed as a cunning and meticulous murderer who believes he has committed the “perfect crime.” The story is told from Montresor’s perspective, and through his narrative, we are presented with several pieces of evidence that suggest he has indeed achieved his goal.
Firstly, Montresor’s meticulous planning and execution of the crime are evident throughout the story. He spends years plotting his revenge against Fortunato, a man he believes has insulted him. Montresor’s obsession with revenge is further demonstrated by his elaborate plan to trap and murder Fortunato in the catacombs beneath the city. The fact that Montresor is able to keep his plan secret for so long is a testament to his cunning and ability to manipulate situations to his advantage.
Secondly, the lack of evidence left behind by Montresor is another piece of evidence that suggests he has committed the perfect crime. Throughout the story, Montresor is careful to dispose of any incriminating evidence, such as the shovel he uses to dig the grave and the candlestick he breaks to prevent anyone from discovering the catacombs. The fact that no one else enters the catacombs after Fortunato’s disappearance further supports the idea that Montresor has managed to cover his tracks.
Additionally, Montresor’s psychological manipulation of Fortunato plays a significant role in the perfection of his crime. He uses Fortunato’s pride and his desire to prove his knowledge of wine to lure him into the catacombs. By exploiting Fortunato’s weaknesses, Montresor is able to ensure that he is the only witness to the crime, making it impossible for anyone to dispute his story.
Furthermore, Montresor’s self-assuredness in the aftermath of the crime is another piece of evidence that suggests he has committed the perfect crime. He boasts about his accomplishment to his friend, Luchesi, and even goes so far as to describe the details of the murder in a letter, which he believes will serve as a testament to his genius. This arrogance is a clear indication that he believes he has successfully eluded detection.
In conclusion, the evidence presented in “The Cask of Amontillado” strongly suggests that Montresor has committed the perfect crime. His meticulous planning, the lack of evidence left behind, his psychological manipulation of Fortunato, and his self-assuredness in the aftermath of the crime all contribute to the conclusion that he has managed to escape detection and punishment for his heinous act.
