In Edgar Allan Poe’s short story The Cask of Amontillado, the trowel is a significant symbol that represents both Montresor’s cunning and his role as a mason. When Fortunato questions Montresor about his membership in the Masonic order, Montresor reveals a trowel, which is a tool used by masons. This moment is ironic because while Fortunato assumes Montresor is referring to the Freemasons, Montresor is actually hinting at his plan to entomb Fortunato alive.
The trowel symbolizes Montresor’s meticulous planning and his commitment to revenge. It is not just a tool for building but also a weapon for destruction. By using the trowel to seal Fortunato in the catacombs, Montresor demonstrates his skill and precision, turning a simple tool into an instrument of death. The trowel thus becomes a powerful symbol of Montresor’s dual nature—both a builder and a destroyer.