The Cask of Amontillado

Yes, I am aware that it is 4 in the morning. I hope you can all relate when I say that although I rarely drink caffeine, I gave in last night. My conclusion: I'm going to be exhausted tomorrow, but, caffeine, oh how I've missed you!!!
To begin my reflection on "The Cask of Amontillado," I'd like to first point out that my reaction to this story might frighten some of you, I suppose, considering your own reactions in your blogs. I remember doing a lengthy unit over Edgar Allan Poe in tenth grade, and even then, I was simultaneously fascinated and spellbound by his work. I only remember a handful of his stories, but I can recall that I found them all captivating. With regards to this story, I did remember it quite well before rereading it yesterday, and my reaction 3 years after having read it the first time is that I remain a fan.
Obviously, I am not condoning Montresor's disgusting and premeditated murder of his "friend," but I do find the psychology behind his acts fascinating, simply because I cannot even begin to understand it! I also admire Poe's use of the character Luchresi. With just the mention of his name, Poe proves that Fortunato cannot, like so many other men and women, allow himself to be bested or outdone, especially concerning an art or occupation of which he considers himself an expert.
When Fortunato toasts the dead surrounding him, he does not realize that he is toasting himself as he will become in the immediate future. Next, with Montresor's chilling toast to his friend's long life, Poe fully wrenches me into his story.
I find the use of Montresor's family crest and motto to be obvious indicators to Fortunato that he should run from the caves as if his life depends on it. (Pun intended?) When Montresor shows his victim the trowel beneath his cloak, this seems to seal Fortunato's fate in my mind; Montresor is crazed and determined to follow through with his plan, and he is so confident that it will be successful that he has no problem laying out almost all of his cards for Fortunato to see.
Finally, I'd like to point out that the auditory imagery of the bells gives me chills each time it is used, and I love the irony of Fortunato's attire. I also love the irony embedded in the names of the two main characters.
Hence, my fascination with Poe's writings. No matter the degree of morbidity with which he coats his literature, I remain, like so many others, unable to tear my eyes from the pages of a tale by Poe, and with each conclusion, I find myself utterly confused but simultaneously enthralled enough to reread.
Sorry this response was so lengthy, but I guess that's what this blog is supposed to be used for!
On a lighter note, I'd like to conclude by saying that I spent a good chunk of my day yesterday researching different possibilities as to why Professor Williams assigned this text for Thursday, February 25. I came up with absolutely nada. I'm either looking at it completely the wrong way or not enough "out of the box," so I just have to say that if anyone gets that extra credit question, you deserve it!