Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" is the twisted story of Montresor's revenge against Fortunato, a "friend" who insulted the his family name. After luring Fortunato into his family's catacombs with the promise of enjoying a drink of Amontillado, Montresor chains him to the wall and leaves him there to die. Several aspects of Poe's life, including his psychological tendencies and Freemasonry, influenced him to incorporate social status into "The Cask of Amontillado." Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It is evident that both characteristics of Poe's personality and values ​​are reflected in this short story. Poe resented his social status, was full of pride, and took criticism harshly. Like Poe, Montresor did not take jokes and criticism lightly. Fortunato's constant remarks about Montresor are what ultimately leads Montresor to kill him. Fortunato commented on the Montresors due to their recent decline in wealth. Poe resented his more successful colleagues who had more money than him, and made it known; “he immediately got angry at the jokes made at his expense” (Giammarco). Montresor resents Fortunato's wealth and happiness because he has fallen in social status. Montresor wants what he had and what Fortunato has recently gained. Montresor and Fortunato both have a high sense of pride and reputation. Thus, the fall in Montresor's social status affects him seriously and makes him envious of Fortunato. This envy and jealousy, caused by Montresor and Fortunato's different social positions, is what ultimately drives Montresor to kill Fortunato (Poe). Poe's characteristic personality of resenting his social status can be seen here in the character of Montresor. As the story unfolds, the audience learns that Montresor has fallen in social class and that Fortunato is now richer and therefore more powerful than him. After Fortunato has a coughing fit, Montresor says “You are rich, respected, admired, loved; you are happy, like I once was. You are a man we will miss” (Poe 327). This shows that Montresor was once wealthy and happy, as Fortunato currently is, but his fall in social status has caused him unhappiness. One of the influences on Poe plays a role Montresor still has his pride despite falling in social status. . He is still confident that he can deceive Fortunato with the promise of Amontillado and exploit his weaknesses. This weakness, resulting from his high social status, leads to his ultimate death. Fortunato is left to die in the catacombs and Montresor must live with the guilt of having killed him for his reputation (Poe). Poe's strong sense of pride is seen here in the character of Montresor. Three aspects of Poe's character, including resentment of his social status, severity of criticism, and a strong sense of pride, have all found their way into Montresor's character in this tale. These characteristics of Montresor demonstrate the element of social status that Poe incorporated in “The Cask of Amontillado.” Poe was not only influenced by his personal experience, but he was also influenced by the strong Masonic presence of his period. The audience sees another aspect of social status incorporated into Poe's tale, and that is the reference to the Freemasons. In Poe's “The Cask of Amontillado” a conversation occurs between Montresor and Fortunato about the Freemasons. "'Don't you understand?' he said. “Not me,” I replied. "Then you're not from the brotherhood." "As?" "You're not a bricklayer." “Yes, yes,” I said; "yes, yes." "You? Impossible! A bricklayer?" (Poe.