* Montresor, the villain, gets away with murder: He successfully traps Fortunato in the catacombs and leaves him to die. There's no external punishment for his crime.
* Fortunato suffers a gruesome death: This is definitely not justice in a typical sense. His demise is slow and horrifying, fueled by Montresor's cruelty.
So, where's the poetic justice?
* Fortunato's own arrogance and vanity contribute to his demise: He's a drunk, easily manipulated, and confident in his knowledge of wine. His flaws directly lead to his death.
* Montresor's obsessive desire for revenge consumes him: He gains his revenge, but it's a hollow victory. The guilt and darkness he carries are far more devastating than any punishment he could face.
* The story itself is a form of justice: Poe uses the narrative to expose the darkness of human nature and the consequences of unchecked vengeance. He doesn't condone Montresor's actions, but he forces readers to confront the complexity of his motivations.
In short, the poetic justice in "The Cask of Amontillado" isn't about a happy ending or a clear reward for good behavior. It's about the internal consequences of actions, the psychological toll of revenge, and the way that even "justice" can be a twisted and destructive force.