The Cask of Amontillado Drugs and Alcohol Quotes

Does this just mean that they are both a bunch of drunks? Montresor’s statement about Fortunato does seem to prove true. Fortunato is sure sincere about trying to get his hands on some Amontillado. So sincere it costs him his life.

It’s not really clear why Fortunato thinks it’s so impossible. Perhaps he’s just saying this to try to convince Montresor that he needs Fortunato’s expert opinion to tell him if the Amontillado is authentic. If he really doubted the possibility of Montresor’s Amontillado acquisition, he probably wouldn’t have gone with Montresor.

This passage suggests that the wine is giving both men courage and a sense of elation. While it seems to make Fortunato let down his guard, the wine appears to make Montresor more alert and aware.

This is a pretty obvious pun. We don’t really need foreshadowing at this point to let us know that wine, in so many ways, is leading Fortunato to his “grave.” Nor do we need to be reminded that things are getting “grave,” as in “serious.” Ironically, this “grave” pun actually lightens the mood, at least a little.

Distill means to “purify,” “condense” or “refine something.” “Rheum” has to do with mucous (and Fortunato’s cough). Montresor believes that Fortunato’s illness and his intoxication are connected. He also suggests that Fortunato’s eyes are somehow making him both drunker and even more ill.

Now Montresor is letting the truth be known. Fortunato isn’t seeing any Amontillado. Not tonight, not ever. And finally, Amontillado doesn’t sound nearly as interesting as fresh air.

At this point, both of the characters are the closest they have been to sober all night. That Montresor waits until Fortunato is sober to begin torturing him in earnest is probably one of the most terrifying aspects of this story.