Victim Or Victor
Victor or Victim: Comparing Short Stories
In many Gothic stories there are plot progressions in which it is difficult to interpret whether the protagonist is a victor or victim. “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe and “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D. H. Lawrence are two such stories. Both stories have similar plot twists that leave the reader puzzled and pondering.
In “The Cask of Amontillado” the main character, Montresor, accomplishes his goal, but it is a bitter sweet victory. Montresor’s primary objective is to kill Fortunato, which he takes pleasure in. “I heard the furious vibrations of the chain. The noise lasted for several minutes, during which, that I might hearken to it with the more satisfaction, I ceased my labors and sat down upon the bones” (Poe 502). Montresor even openly mocks Fortunato while he is chained and being buried alive. “Once more let me implore you to return. No? Then I must positively leave you” (Poe 501). In this sense Montresor has won. He has killed his adversary and removed him from his life. On the other hand killing Montresor makes Fortunato a victim because it only makes Montresor more a part of his life, every day he remembers him. “For half a century no mortal has disturbed them.” (Poe 503). He also has been stricken with guilt because of his actions that night. “[He] called aloud -- "Fortunato! No answer. […] "Fortunato!" No answer still. I thrust a torch through the remaining aperture and let it fall within. There came forth in return only a jingling of the bells. My heart grew sick.” (Poe 503). The last sentence of the story also tells a lot about Montresor’s point of view: “In pace requiescat” (Poe 503). He wishes peace to the man he is murdering, which leads me to believe that may be viewed as a victim. We will never know whether Edgar Allen Poe meant to view Montresor as a victim or victor; the plot progression leads the reader to believe that he could be either.
The second short story is “The Rocking...
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