“I have no engagement;–come.” (22)
Fortunato is letting Montresor know that he is “free” to go with him to check out the Amontillado. Ironically, this freedom is part of what traps him in the end.
“For the love of God, Montresor!"
“Yes,” I said, “for the love of God!” (83-84)
This is probably when Fortunato finally understands that he is no longer a free man. Fortunato speaks no more when he finds out that Montresor isn’t afraid of God, or worse, that Montresor thinks he’s carrying out God’s will.
“Ha! ha! ha!–he! he!–a very good joke indeed–an excellent jest. We shall have many a rich laugh about it at the palazzo–he! he! he!–over our wine–he! he! he!” (81)
One aspect of the revenge is almost complete. Fortunato is finally starting to feel Montresor’s wrath. Even though he’s walled in and utterly transformed by fear, he won’t verbalize it.
“How?” said he. “Amontillado? A pipe? Impossible! And in the middle of the carnival!” (8)
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.
“I shall not die of a cough.”
“True – true,” I replied.” (37-38)
Montresor is always joking about death. And he makes is almost seem funny, until the end. Poe uses “dark” humor to lighten up the story.
“I drink,” he said, “to the buried that repose around us.”
“And I to your long life.” (42, 43)
This is an example of “dramatic irony.” We know something that one or more of the characters don’t. Montresor’s toast to Fortunato’s “long life” lets the reader know that Fortunato might die. The only person who doesn’t get the joke is Fortunato.
“Let us go, nevertheless. The cold is merely nothing. Amontillado!” (24)
This is good evidence that Fortunato is foolish. He is sick and should really be in bed, not down in the, ahem, wine cellar. But, what if Fortunato thinks Amontillado can cure his illness? That would explain why he’s so fixated on it.
“You jest,” he exclaimed, recoiling a few paces. “But let us proceed to the Amontillado.” (68)
This is right after Montresor shows him the trowel. Fortunato actually feels fear for a moment, but then he foolishly casts aside his instincts.
Will not they be awaiting us at the palazzo, the Lady Fortunato and the rest? Let us be gone.” (83)
Fortunato himself must feel very foolish saying this. All that is dear to him flashes before his eyes. The Amontillado loses its charm. Does this indicate that he has gained wisdom by the end of the story?