The Cask of Amontillado, Or Taking Vengance Too Seriously

In honor of Poe's 200th birthday (actually in January, but I think a 200th can be celebrated all year), and by my friend Bonnie's request, I have chosen to discuss the gruesome subject of being buried alive.

While being buried alive would definitely not be at the top of any one's list of "The Best Ways to Die" it does seem to be a favorite of authors, both of literary works and screenplays. Poe himself used it multiple times.

In addition to the story I have named in the title of this blog, there are many movies, books and episodes of television shows that center around a character being buried alive. A few examples: In Kill Bill: Volume 2, by Quentin Tarantino, the heroine is buried alive and escapes by punching through the coffin. In the 'Lost' episode 'Exposé' two characters are taken for dead and buried alive (in this case not on purpose.) There is a movie actually titled "Buried Alive." Nick Stokes was buried alive on CSI and Dr. Brennan and Dr. Hodgins are buried alive together in one episode of "Bones."

From the criminal's point of view, burying someone alive would seem to be one of the best options. No messy cleanup, and a lower chance of being caught. This crime is not, however, for the faint of heart. The victim of this crime is likely to make quite a racket when they discover their fate, and in general, I find, listening to that can be tedious. Take for example, the hero (antihero?) of The Cask of Amontillado. Montresor actually stops to listen to his friend (I use that term lightly, as I don't think many people would bury an actual friend of theirs alive) plead for his life. He even finds some sick pleasure in listening to the cries for help. Of course, you could always drug the person. or if they were near death when you buried them, there might be less chance that they make noise.

On the other side of the issue, while being buried alive is an awful way to go, it also offers more possibility of escape. Someone intent on murder is much more likely to succeed with a gun, a knife, baseball bat, a syringe of some poison or drug... I could go on , but I think you get the picture. At least if you are buried alive, you might find a way out of the situation. Maybe someone will hear your cries for help. Or if you're Uma Thurman, Buffy, or Dean Winchester, you could just punch your way out of the coffin and dig yourself out of the grave.

Also, if you wake up and find yourself buried, there is a chance it was accidental. Its horrible that someone would be so negligent, but at least no one was trying to kill you. A comforting thought as you suffocate. Or not. It does make a good argument for cremation, as there is no chance you will "wake up" in an urn on your family's mantle.

If anyone has been buried alive, I would certainly be interested in hearing a first hand account of the experience.