It is a depiction of Poe's life experiences with the upper class, as well as a depiction of the nobility versus the progressively more prominent lower classes. Whenever a very important power begins to lose influence, there are always repercussions and this is what Montresor symbolized through his act. Ultimately, Montresor characterizes the declining nobility in the world and how hard they would fight to prevent the lower class from social mobility; however, as in the catacomb painting where Fortunato and Montresor switch places, the lower classes will eventually take the place of the