Question

In what way is Montresor an unreliable narrator? How does the use of an unreliable narrator influence readers’ views of Montresor’s actions? Cite evidence from the text to support your response.

Answer 1

Montresor, like most of Poe's protagonists, are mentally disturbed and hence unreliable narrators. We are not really sure what wrong Fortunato has done to him but he has obsessed about his revenge. Montresor has let his staff off for the festival so that he can have Fortunato alone. Montresor has left masonry or stonework equipment in the catacombs. He knows just how to tempt Fortunato into following him. Montresor gives some vague detail on how Fortunato has to pay (for his insults) and since he hasn't tried to make things right, he (Montresor) will have to now take matters into his own hands and punish Fortunato himself. Motressor clearly has manic tendencies and delusions of grandeur.

Answer 2

Montresor is considered an unreliable narrator because his opinion of Fortunato is biased. Montresor feels greatly wronged by Fortunato, but the exact wrongdoing that Fortunato has committed is never clearly mentioned in the story. As a result, readers cannot comprehend or agree with Montresor’s extreme form of revenge, which actually makes readers sympathize with Fortunato. In addition, readers do not have any background on Montresor, so Montresor’s sanity is questionable, considering he formulates and carries out an elaborate plan to entomb and murder someone who insulted him. -plato