In the first paragraph, Montresor mentions that he vows to enact revenge on Fortunato for the ambiguous "thousand injuries," which he has not forgotten. Montresor goes on to say that he kept his plans for revenge a secret so that no one could suspect him of harming Fortunato. He also plans on punishing Fortunato with impunity, because if he were to be arrested or punished for harming Fortunato, his plan for revenge would not be perfectly executed. Montresor also mentions that Fortunato must be aware that he is being punished for causing Montresor a "thousand injuries." In the second paragraph, Montresor says that he gave no reason to Fortunato to doubt his good will and smiled in his face whenever they met, in order to avoid suspicion. Overall, the reader learns that Montresor has precise, careful plans to enact revenge on Fortunato for causing him a thousand injuries. The reader also knows that Montresor has a capacity for dissembling and hiding his true emotions, which allows him to get close to Fortunato and avoid suspicion.
In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," the first-person narrator wastes little time in letting his intentions be known. Though not given to the reader right away, we eventually learn that the narrator's name is Montresor. In the first paragraph, Montresor states, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could." In addition to these "injuries," we learn that Fortunato has insulted Montresor and that the insult will not be forgiven. Montresor is determined to seek revenge, and he plans to suffer no consequences as a result of his actions.
In the second paragraph, Montresor explains that he has given Fortunato no reason, whether through words or actions, to suspect any wrongdoing or negative intentions. Montresor will continue to, "smile in his face." The reader knows the reason behind the smile is revenge. However, Montresor will not make this reason known to Fortunato.
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