rate that 'he is not I' and 'I am not he'"(57). The conflict of the selves comes to a horrifying climax as Montresor is trying to build the wall and bury Fortunato alive. For a few brief moments when Fortunato is silent (as is Montresor's evil self), Montresor's rational mind is reinstated and he hesitates from adding another tier to the wall. It is then that "A succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to thrust [Montresor] violently back" (157). After a brief pause, he trembled and then replied to the yells. Montresor says "I re-echoed--I aided--I surpassed them in volume and in strength" (157). This battle of the soul continued until Fortunato no longer replied. At the end of the story when Montresor confesses his story, he very sincerely says, "In pace requiescat!" This phrase means may he rest in peace in Latin. He is symbolically speaking of himself. Brian Barbour suggests that this statement demonstrates Montresor's ability to finally rest in peace as a result of his confession (78). This entire event is foreshadowed by Montresor's family arms of "A huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are embedded in the heel" (155). The foot crushing the serpent represents Montresor attempting to take revenge on Fortunato, but the serpent’s fangs are embedded in the heel and they meet their demise together. Even though Montresor has killed Fortunato (his alter ego), he also has killed his own humanity with this evil deed.The coat of Arms is also symbolic of the irony of the story. Poe weaves a complex web of irony and symbolism throughout the story. The motto of the Arms is "Nemo me impune lacessit." (No one dare attack me with impunity). As the story unfolds it is apparent that the motto best fits the serpent, not the foot. Ironically, Montresor says, "I must not only punish, but punish with impunity" (153). If punishing wit...
