Similarities Between Fortunato And Montresor

The irony and dark humor work in union to foreshadow the ominous ending. In the beginning, both Fortunato and Montresor seem to be dressed accordingly for how events are about to unfold. Fortunato is wearing “a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and [on] his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells”, resembling a fool (Poe 4). On the other hand, Montresor is dressed in “a mask of black silk” and a roquelaire, bearing the resemblance to a villain (Poe 5). The outfits of both characters are ironic due to the nature of their situation; Montresor having the intention of seeking revenge over Fortunato, and Fortunato unknowingly walking into the trap set before him. As Lima describes Poe’s “use of irony also contributes to ... the tragic and comic”, and is clearly visible through his continual use of satirical symbols (Lima 24).
Fortunato says that “[he] will not die of a cough”, to which Montresor agrees (Poe 6). This is ironic because Montresor knows Fortunato will surely die trapped inside the crypt as he had planned and not from the cough. Foreshadowing Fortunato’s approaching death through this quote builds suspense as the two continue further into the cold vaults. Even as they drink, Montresor toasts to Fortunato’s “long life”, the irony and dark humor further foreshadows the finale (Poe 6). When Montresor explains his family’s coat of arms, a golden foot crushing the snake that bites its heel, it foreshadows Montresor’s revenge over Fortunato. When Fortunato asks if Montresor is part of the secret brotherhood, the Masons, Montresor produces a trowel from his cloak. This ironic gesture foreshadows Montresor eventually entombing him in the damp and dark chamber. In the end, Fortunato, who is satirically named “lucky”, meets his fate in the most unpleasant and unlucky of