The Cask of Amontillado Montresor Quotes

Montresor

Quote 7

A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. (1)

To “redress” is to “correct an error, or a fault, or an evil.” Montresor wants to correct the wrong he thinks Fortunato has done him. Montresor’s statement reflects the never-ending cycle that revenge and betrayal can become, unless the parties involved reach some sort of agreement, or one of them dies.

Montresor

Quote 8

It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong. (1)

This is similar to the manner in which people are supposed to be punished after they have been found guilty through the legal process. The punishment is supposed to be severe enough that the wrongdoer is deterred from committing the crime again. Montresor perverts this principle. He becomes judge, jury and executioner, all rolled into one.

Montresor > Fortunato

Quote 9

Nemo me impune lacessit.” (49)

This means “no one injures me with impunity. Or, “nobody messes with me and gets away with it.” This motto can’t be the motto of the Montresor family, because it’s the motto of the Scottish Royal Coat of Arms. Montresor, who is constantly fibbing, conveniently appropriates it to make a point – a point that’s sadly lost on Fortunato.