Fortunato Monologue
Surely this must all be a cruel, terrible jest! Montressor would never leave me here to perish. Would he? After all he knows that I am ill, so would he really have such anger and resentment towards me that he would murder me? Really, would any sane man ever consider this torment as suitable? Then again, who's to state that Montressor is really sane?
Relax! Breathe deeply and relax. I must remember these simple instructions if I wish to survive this terrible ordeal. After all, who's to say that I won't be rescued within the matter of a few hours? Surely the idea that nobody will be searching for me is simply preposterous! Also, I have a loving wife and many wonderful friends who will surely launch a search party for me. I'm sure of it! For now though, I just have to breathe deeply and remain calm.
Oh why do I continue to try and maintain this frivolous façade? My absurd fantasy of rescue will only break me more in the end. I know that I must accept my fate, however ill-timed it may be. After all, the world has already begun closing in on me and the constant dripping of the niter is driving me mad. The single streak of light shining through a hole between two of the bricks is slowly becoming dimmer and my breathing is becoming ragged. I realize that my vision is starting to blur and I can't seem to grasp a single coherent thought in my head. My last thought before the cool darkness completely consumes me is terribly simple. Is this how it all shall end?