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.”

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.