The Cask of Amontillado Foolishness and Folly Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)

Quote #1

He had a weak point–this Fortunato […]. (5)

Is weakness the same as foolishness? Some would argue that weakness and foolishness are both necessary to human survival. What would Montresor think about that idea?

Quote #2

In painting and gemmary, Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack–but in the matter of old wines he was sincere. (5)

Fortunato had some interests we might forget about as the story progresses. Montresor implies that he is an artist with a sideline in fine gems. Because he talks about all Italians, we have reason to doubt Montresor’s claim that Fortunato is “a quack.” His statement sounds foolish.

Quote #3

The man wore motley. He had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells. (6)

We wonder what Fortunato wears when he’s not doing the carnival thing. This image haunts the narrative. The contrast between Fortunato’s clothing and the somber world of the catacomb create a sense of true creepiness.