These violent pleasures have violent ends..." (William Shakespeare qtd. in Romeo and Juliet Act II, Scene VI.) Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" begins with Montresor, the protagonist, saying that he will punish Fortunato with impunity for a wrong committed. Montresor plans to take Fortunato to his home where his deathbed awaits him. Along the way, Montresor plays numerous personalities that keep the story interesting. He finally locks Fortunato in a recess located in the catacombs beneath his house, and begins burying him alive. Montresor is able to complete this ridiculous act because he is vindictive, determined, and manipulative. At the beginning of the story, Montresor appears to be vindictive in the first paragraph. Fortunato insults Montresor by doing something that remains unidentified. Montresor states that “we must not only punish, but punish with impunity”. Montresor feels he has to do this because he wants to put an end to Fortunato and his insults. He also feels he must live up to his family's motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit,” which means “No one attacks me without punishment.” Because Montresor is single-minded, he is able to plan his plan so carefully that he knows there is no chance of being discovered. Montresor's need for revenge continues throughout the story. When Montresor says, “Then I must absolutely leave you,” he is demonstrating that there is no turning back. Fortunato is blocked indefinitely. Montresor shows no remorse for his actions as he walls Fortunato. "The noise [vibrations of the chain in which Fortunato is locked up] lasted several minutes, during which, in order to listen to it with more satisfaction, I interrupted my labors and sat down on the bones." M......middle of paper......This way Montresor made sure that no one could blame him for Fortunato's murder. Montresor also uses reverse psychology as he leads Fortunato to his death in the depths of the catacombs. He constantly suggests that the two go back up the stairs. “'Come,' I said decisively, 'let us go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired and loved… You are a man who will be missed.” Montresor knows that if he continues to say things like that, he will only fuel Fortunato's desire to taste the amontillado. As can be seen, Montresor displays the qualities of a vindictive, determined, and manipulative person several times throughout the story. By describing Montresor with these characteristics, the reader clearly sees that his head is not right. His thoughts become words and his words become actions.