Edgar Allen Poe Playlist: th-cam.com/video/x_7PyOjBQdY/w-d-xo.html TABLE OF CONTENTS: 0:00 Introductions 0:37 Publication Info 2:22 Summary 3:24 Analysis 13:20 Wrap Up and Ratings
I once read an analysis/theory that both characters are not separate characters but, in fact, represent the narrator’s split personalities. The story is far more psychological than people think. Poe struggled mightily with alcoholism, wavering between sobriety and drunkenness, and the theory is that the character being murdered in the story is actually the narrator conquering his own “alcoholic/destructive persona.” That’s why the narrator has no remorse 50 years later. He’s not a psychopath but actually a hero who conquered his inner demons-alcoholism.
To me, it always felt like Fortunato died the very moment before Montresor put the last brick in and thus robbed him of his revenge - Montresor wanted Fortunato to suffer, so he hoped that the man would still try and scream or cry when he finished his work, staying alive in his prison for some time so that Montresor wouldn't have to think about his death or anything. Instead, Fortunato dies in the very last moment, robbing Montresor of that pleasure and exposing him more to the murder, which shows that it shakes him up and makes him be in denial It's only when he's very old and maybe close to his death that he considers that they can both finally rest now
🍷 This story has always creeped me out. Partly because of carnival - the noise in the streets, people in costumes having a good time, music, drinking, and all the time this calculated murder is taking place. Shiver! Deb
🍷 Enjoyed your discussion of this story. I never thought Montresor and Fortunato were friends. They seemed more like frenemies at best. I also liked how Montresor drinks to Fortunato's "long life."
@@TheCodeXCantina Yep, you did. Krypto make the point. I watched the whole thing, but I guess I was typing when he said it -- apparently my ears dont work when I type. Probably because I subvocalize everything including what I am typing while I am typing it. Sorry.
I first read this story in junior high school, and to this day, I still find its ending the most absolutely, viscerally chilling thing I’ve ever read. “For the love of God, Montressor!” 😬 The horror of the piece is generated by just how coolly calculated it all is, by how deeply Montressor’s actions are rooted in wounded pride - to think how one’s slighting or teasing or ridiculing of another could turn out for one at a later date.
Hi Guys, This is one of my favorite Poe stories. I felt the terror,and fear of being "Bricked Up" behind a wall,while people were outside enjoying themselves,and laughing. To think, that laughter is the last sound you hear as you are being left for dead (irony). I really enjoy your videos,especially since they deal mostly with short stories,something I rarely read these days,but thanks to your channel,I am now revisiting many Authors short stories (Joyce Carol Oats,O'Henry,Poe,and Kafka) Thank You !
I always used this story to teach irony, suspense, and the concept of the unreliable narrator. Not much literary value in this one (as is the case with most of Poe's stories), but you know what you're getting into almost every time you open up a work by Poe. Always a morbidly fun experience. I give this one a 7/10 as well.
Good conversation very interesting to hear yas perspective definitely close to what my thoughts are on the stories you both speak on. Definitely add to my ideas of the story also. Teaching new perspectives. I just found these commentary’s a few weeks ago and it brings me to the story’s I am now going back and reviewing. Or reading and enjoying your commentary on them. Definitely a subscriber now 🍷
🍷 I expected so much more ambivalence from you Una after all that build up in the tbr. This might be one of my least favorite short stories by him, I think I have read it twice and its never left a large impression or made me want to go back and pick it apart.
I don’t know if I’ve ever considered Montressor as an unreliable narrator. That’s a really interesting idea. For someone who used to write diatribes about allegory, Poe sure does soak his stories in symbolism! He can be really hard to read, sort of in that Henry James mode where every sentence feels heavy and clunky: an overstuffed old house. I have generally considered the ending to be one of the most nihilistic visions Poe gives us. There’s a sort of black hole at the center of Montressor and no revenge can fill it. Great to see you guys on this one. Best, Jack
Edgar Allen Poe Playlist: th-cam.com/video/x_7PyOjBQdY/w-d-xo.html
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00 Introductions
0:37 Publication Info
2:22 Summary
3:24 Analysis
13:20 Wrap Up and Ratings
I once read an analysis/theory that both characters are not separate characters but, in fact, represent the narrator’s split personalities. The story is far more psychological than people think. Poe struggled mightily with alcoholism, wavering between sobriety and drunkenness, and the theory is that the character being murdered in the story is actually the narrator conquering his own “alcoholic/destructive persona.” That’s why the narrator has no remorse 50 years later. He’s not a psychopath but actually a hero who conquered his inner demons-alcoholism.
To me, it always felt like Fortunato died the very moment before Montresor put the last brick in and thus robbed him of his revenge - Montresor wanted Fortunato to suffer, so he hoped that the man would still try and scream or cry when he finished his work, staying alive in his prison for some time so that Montresor wouldn't have to think about his death or anything.
Instead, Fortunato dies in the very last moment, robbing Montresor of that pleasure and exposing him more to the murder, which shows that it shakes him up and makes him be in denial
It's only when he's very old and maybe close to his death that he considers that they can both finally rest now
Very cool.
Thanks for sharing
🍷 This story has always creeped me out. Partly because of carnival - the noise in the streets, people in costumes having a good time, music, drinking, and all the time this calculated murder is taking place. Shiver! Deb
I can't name one story where something good has happened at Carnival :D
🍷 Enjoyed your discussion of this story. I never thought Montresor and Fortunato were friends. They seemed more like frenemies at best. I also liked how Montresor drinks to Fortunato's "long life."
Ah, that's slang I need to learn how to use :D
Pronunciation fight!
It may be a classic plot, but isn't Poe the one who made it a classic.
I was think exactly the same thing. If it originates with you... 🤔
Yeah. We talk about it further in.
@@TheCodeXCantina Yep, you did. Krypto make the point. I watched the whole thing, but I guess I was typing when he said it -- apparently my ears dont work when I type. Probably because I subvocalize everything including what I am typing while I am typing it. Sorry.
I first read this story in junior high school, and to this day, I still find its ending the most absolutely, viscerally chilling thing I’ve ever read. “For the love of God, Montressor!” 😬 The horror of the piece is generated by just how coolly calculated it all is, by how deeply Montressor’s actions are rooted in wounded pride - to think how one’s slighting or teasing or ridiculing of another could turn out for one at a later date.
Nobody harasses me with impunity!
@@TheCodeXCantina 7/10?!?!
@@OldBluesChapterandVerse are you score shaming me, Jason 😂😝
@@TheCodeXCantina 😎
Hi Guys, This is one of my favorite Poe stories. I felt the terror,and fear of being "Bricked Up" behind a wall,while people were outside enjoying themselves,and laughing. To think, that laughter is the last sound you hear as you are being left for dead (irony). I really enjoy your videos,especially since they deal mostly with short stories,something I rarely read these days,but thanks to your channel,I am now revisiting many Authors short stories (Joyce Carol Oats,O'Henry,Poe,and Kafka) Thank You !
This is one of my favorite Poe stories!!!
Could the wine also be symbolic of communion?
🍷
Nice and only if it's with Judas! :D
It would have been really cool to see a 30 silver exchange or something referencing he paid that for the wine.
I always used this story to teach irony, suspense, and the concept of the unreliable narrator.
Not much literary value in this one (as is the case with most of Poe's stories), but you know what you're getting into almost every time you open up a work by Poe. Always a morbidly fun experience. I give this one a 7/10 as well.
There's a reason some people earn teacher of the year.
🍷
Theme
This is my favorite Poe. The terror of slowly being encased in a wall is terrifying. I can never pronounce it or spell it.
Right?! Classic turn!
Thank you for this. I'm using this story for a college English Essay. This is super helpful.
Good conversation very interesting to hear yas perspective definitely close to what my thoughts are on the stories you both speak on. Definitely add to my ideas of the story also. Teaching new perspectives. I just found these commentary’s a few weeks ago and it brings me to the story’s I am now going back and reviewing. Or reading and enjoying your commentary on them. Definitely a subscriber now 🍷
I just want to know one thing....WHAT WAS THE UNKNOWN CRIME?!
Hey Fortunado, where you gonna put a tree that big?
@@TheCodeXCantina totally makes me think of the scene in Christmas Vacation 😂😂
Yes! It is one of the greatest lol! I love when there's random Latin in things...it makes me feel useful lol.
Great breakdown as always, guys!
"It's so good!"
--Allen
@@TheCodeXCantina accurate
Also he was sick in a damp basement
🍷 I expected so much more ambivalence from you Una after all that build up in the tbr. This might be one of my least favorite short stories by him, I think I have read it twice and its never left a large impression or made me want to go back and pick it apart.
What can I say? My heart takes me where it will. :D
Style🎉
I haven't read the story either so that means I'm fully qualified to talk about it XD
You should probably just run our channel
I read Poe for the first time in middle school, which, naturally, left a deep impression on me, so I am a bit biased toward Poe.
Understandable. Seems to be a polarizing author.
Both of your interpretation helped me with my seminars (this and Somerset Maugham- Rain)and got good remark from my teacher.
Thank you sir
Great job!
❤
I need to make some more work through my complete Poe works. I'll need to give this one a read for sure.
You know... I thought I had a complete works but it turns out they have separate books for fiction vs poems
@@TheCodeXCantina mine has both!
Poeee!!!!!
Dameron
🍷
Thanks!
🍷
Thank you!
I don’t know if I’ve ever considered Montressor as an unreliable narrator. That’s a really interesting idea.
For someone who used to write diatribes about allegory, Poe sure does soak his stories in symbolism! He can be really hard to read, sort of in that Henry James mode where every sentence feels heavy and clunky: an overstuffed old house.
I have generally considered the ending to be one of the most nihilistic visions Poe gives us. There’s a sort of black hole at the center of Montressor and no revenge can fill it.
Great to see you guys on this one.
Best, Jack
Poe's a unique man. In a very specific way.
Wish I could have concord like this w my friends ! 😊🎃
We’re all friends here
Classic Poe. Very cool guys
Hits home for some, others not so much.