.
We see that Montresor is the type of human that does not take easily to insult. He is destined and determined to assure the death of Fortunato for his actions. Montresor is an obvious man of honor, and is willing to sustain that honor at all costs. Montresor became extremely sly when Fortunato demanded they escape to the vaults to determine whether the wine in question was indeed Amontillado. Montresor had ensured that his palazzo would be entirely empty to ensure that no witnesses were present when he arrived with Fortunato. The plan thus far was being executed to a tee. .
: Montresor took all of the proper precautions to ensure that his plan was foolproof Montresor implemented a form of reverse psychology upon the sherry-ridden mind of Fortunato Montresor kept Fortunato in the dark about his intentions by continuously expressing his concern for his health, urging Fortunato to turn around and return to the carnival.(Burduck,129) .
As previously stated, Montresor is obviously a very intelligent man. We see this manifest itself when Montresor finally lures Fortunato into the vaults. When Fortunato begins to start experiencing a vicious cough from the niter of the vaults, and Montresor tells him they will go back, irony comes into play, as it does in many aspects of the story, Fortunato states " Enough the cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough." (176).
Montresor continues his intelligent deceptiveness by assuring Fortunato that by consuming more wine; his cough will be alleviated, which was an obvious falsehood. Montresor, at this point has to be struggling with himself whether he truly wants to proceed with his original plans, such is only human nature. Fortunato seals his own fate by insulting Montresor in the vaults. He drunkenly forgot Montresor's arms and family motto, which stated that he would not be attacked with impunity. .
Fortunato manages to insult Montresor yet again in the vaults by accusing him of not being a member of the esoteric brotherhood, the Freemasons.
