Cask: Edgar Allan Poe and Person Gains Knowledge Essay Example
Abcarian and Klotz define the human condition as the continuous effort of individuals to introduce organization and significance into their lives, in an attempt to counteract the constant mystery and unpredictability that surrounds us. They stress that life is far more complex and unforeseen than our perception allows, and the systems we construct to establish order and meaning are primarily temporary strategies to combat confusion. At any given moment, new events can abruptly disrupt our lives as well as our understanding of ourselves and the world, prompting challenging reassessments.
These disruptions cause distress, worry, and even fear, but they also result in gaining wisdom and awareness. Each person goes through a process where a disturbance happens, triggers an emotion, and stimulates a reaction. By taking action, individuals acquire knowledge. Montresor, the character in Edgar
...Allen Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" (as mentioned in Thomas R. Arp and Greg Johnson's Perrine's Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense, 10th ed. [Boston: Wadsworth, 2009] 617-623), is changed by this aspect of the human condition.
The disruption occurred when Fortunado insulted Montresor’s family and their honor, prompting Montresor to handle the situation. It was evident that Montresor intended to carry out his revenge. Despite feeling anger, Montresor concealed his emotions, giving no indication of the deep-seated resentment he harbored. He expressed his hidden anger by stating, "The thousand injuries of Fortunado I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed my revenge."
Montresor is a highly serious individual who keeps his intense anger hidden, but is determined to seek revenge for the cause. He declares, "You, who are well aware of the nature
of my soul, should not believe that I expressed any threat. Eventually, I would take my revenge." He proceeds with a meticulously planned murder by luring Fortunado into a state of drunken helplessness. When the opportune moment arrives, Montresor surprises Fortunado by chaining him. Finally, Montresor constructs a wall around Fortunado, resulting in his death.
The wisdom Montresor acquired came after the incident when he expressed, "My heart grew sick - on account of the dampness of the catacombs." However, his sickness was not truly caused by the dampness. He felt remorseful for his actions but did not admit it until fifty years later. Every person undergoes a process involving a disruption that triggers an emotional response and prompts action. This process allows individuals to gain knowledge, making it a crucial aspect of human existence.
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