Compare the murders/killings in Poe’s “Cask of Amontillado” and Dubus’ “Killings”. Were any of them justified? Why or why not? In what ways could they have been avoided? Were they avoidable? Use direct quotes to support your answer. Can be anywhere from 300-500 words.
Answer preview
The killings in both stories were avoidable. The killings in Dubus could have been avoided if Frank could wait for Mary Ann’s divorce process to end since it could deny Richard grounds to defend their love. Second, Richard’s killing could be avoided if the criminal justice system was vigilant in arresting and sentencing Richard for the heinous act. This means Richard could be alive after serving his sentence. Richard says, “I am going to jail for it, and if I ever get out, I will be an old man… (Andre, 60). Similarly, in the Cask of Amontillado story, the murder could have been avoided if Montresor could have opened up and expressed issues he felt were offensive from Fortunato. This could have prevented the perceived insults and hence the killing.
