Dramatic Irony
This occurs when the reader becomes painfully
aware of what will become of Fortunato even
though the character continues his descent into the
catacombs in pursuit of the Amontillado.
Dramatic Irony
 Poe further adds to this effect by calling the character
Fortunato, who is anything but fortunate, and dressing him in
a clown or fool’s costume since Montresor intends to make a
fool of him as part of his dark plan. Through the ironic
naming of the characters, Poe gives visual images to the
readers. The naming of Fortunato, which is ironic since he is
anything but fortunate, suggests a lucky or fortunate person.
He is given the name “Fortunato” though to make him appear
as a “fool.”
Dramatic Irony
Montresor’s name being associated with “treasure”
gives the reader an image of a rich and powerful
man.
Dramatic Irony
 Poe’s dramatic irony occurs as the two men are walking
down to the catacombs and Fortunato notices the Montresor
coat of arms. Fortunato says, “I forget your arms.” And
Montresor replies, “A huge human foot d’or, in a field azure;
the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded
in the heel.” The Montresor family could be represented by
the foot, which crushes its enemies, or the snake, which sinks
its fangs into the heel of its adversary.
Verbal Irony
 One use of this verbal irony is in Montresor’s concern for
Fortunato’s health. Montresor tells Fortunato that his health
is precious. Fortunato responds saying, “The cough is a mere
nothing; it will not kill me” In fact, Montresor could care less
about Fortunato’s health; he is just concerned about his own
advantage of manipulation by luring him into the catacombs
to carry out his plan. Montresor also intends to be
responsible for Fortunato’s death. Montresor does not want
Fortunato to die of a cough or from the catacombs but of his
own destruction.
Verbal Irony
 Poe uses verbal irony in Montresor’s toast to Fortunato’s long
life. Montresor says, “Drink. . .” Then Fortunato says, “I
drink. . . to the buried that repose around us.” Then again,
Montresor says, “And I to your long life.” Montresor,
however, does not intend for Fortunato to live for very long
at all. On the contrary, Montresor is toasting because he
wants Fortunato to accompany his ancestors in the
catacombs.
Verbal Irony
 Montresor addresses Fortunato as his dear friend when they
first encounter each other. Fortunato believes that Montresor
is his friend when actually he intends to make a fool out of
him. Thus, Montresor states, “My dear Fortunato, you are
luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day!
But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado,
and have my doubts.” Montresor calls Fortunato “dear” when
he hates this man with a passion.
Verbal Irony
 He also knows that Fortunato is not dressed appropriately; he
is dressed as a clown, but Montresor still compliments him
on his attire because his clothing fits with Montresor’s plans-to make a fool out of him.
Sybolism
 The amontillado was a significant symbol because it is what is
used to lure Fortunato and represents a rare attitude. Even
though Montresor never even actually had this rare wine, he
tempted Fortunato to come with him. This shows
Fortunato's curiousity and temptations towards higher
traditions in life. Amontillado is rare, precious, and
expensive.
Symbolism
 Picture a shield. On it is a picture of a giant gold “human
foot” in “a field azure” – i.e., a blue field. The foot is
“crush[ing]” a wild and crazy “serpent.” The serpent’s fangs
are buried in the foot’s heel.
 Seems obvious, right? Fortunato is a snake in the grass, he bit
Montresor, and Montresor’s big gold foot is coming crashing
down on him as a result.
Symbolism
 What’s really significant about the arms is the color “azure.”
This is the only color explicitly mentioned that isn’t
connected to death and darkness. It literally means “sky blue”
and sky means freedom, especially when we contrast it with
the claustrophobic, prison-like atmosphere of the catacomb.