In the story "The Cask of Amontillado," Fortunato taunted Montresor. Because of this, Montresor feels a duty to seek revenge on Fortunato. Through hurtful actions, Fortunato severely distress Montresor. "It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will." (722) Montresor believes that all wrongs have to be avenged. Montresor also believes if the person redressing the situation gets in trouble for it, the wrong must be made right. Due to this feeling, Montresor takes great caution while luring Fortunato into his vaults. Montresor uses his family's respected history, pent up emotions, and equality of punishment to justify the murder of Fortunato.

Montresor's family arms portray, "A huge human foot d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes the serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel."(724) This passage shows that Montresors, through out history, crush their enemies...