How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
It was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my friend. (6)
The carnival season represents freedom. It happens just before Lent. Everybody parties during carnival to prepare for the seriousness and sacrifice of Lent. But, for Fortunato, the carnival season soon becomes the opposite of what it’s supposed to be.
Quote #2
“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.
Quote #3
“Come,” I said, with decision, “we will go back; your health is precious.” (35)
At this point, Fortunato might still be free to turn back, but he is trapped be his desire for the Amontillado. We wonder what would have happened if he’d tried to leave. Would Montresor have dragged him in to the crypt anyway?
Quote #4
His eyes flashed with a fierce light. He laughed and threw the bottle upwards with a gesticulation I did not understand. (54)
Fortunato is both trapped and freed by the drink. It frees him from his inhibitions – but this blinds him to his vulnerability, letting him move deeper and deeper into Montresor’s trap.
Quote #5
A moment more and I had fettered him to the granite. (71)
Fortunato has completely lost his freedom at this point. But he’s still unaware of the fact. He can’t believe Montresor would do this to him. He’s still holding out hope for the Amontillado.
Quote #6
“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.
Quote #7
For the half of a century no mortal has disturbed them. (89)
Meaning, the bones covering Fortunato’s casket of despair. Montresor’s crime has gone undetected for fifty years. He’s bragging that he got away free. Or he’s confessing that he killed a man. Or possibly it’s a combination of both.