Revenge is the act of retaliation for an offense or injury caused to a person by another. It can overwhelm a person, and become the single most important facet in their life. Revenge is portrayed through a person's thoughts and actions, and is most often associated with anger and hatred. The person exacting revenge feels that he has been wronged and feels justified in righting that wrong. Throughout the short story "The Cask of Amontillado" the author, Edgar Allan Poe, develops the feelings of revenge possessed by the central character Montresor through Montresor's family tradition and personal philosophies. Montresor's precise premeditated plan demonstrates his dedication to his act, and as the story progresses the reader learns that Montresor has very explicit notions as to how revenge should be executed.

Montresor's family traditions give an indication to his feelings of revenge. He describes his coat of arms as "A...