Poe’s use of both verbal and situational irony adds to the chillingly humorous and unsettling tone of the story. From the beginning, the audience knows that Montresor sought revenge against Fortunato. Thus all of his gestures of friendship must be read for their double meaning: Montresor’s conversation with Fortunato can be read as a series of veiled threats that foreshadow the harm Montresor brings to Fortunato.
Irony also establishes Montresor as an untrustworthy narrator as much of what he says explicitly states one thing while meaning another. Because much of the irony within the story is dramatic irony, the audience knows something that the characters, or at least Fortunato, do not.
A trowel is a tool masons use to smooth the mortar when laying bricks. Also, a great irony—Fortunato is so intoxicated that he doesn’t even wonder what Montresor is doing with a trowel.
"True—true..."See in text(The Cask of Amontillado)
Poe uses dramatic irony to reinforce Montresor’s deceitful nature and provide some dark humor. The reader knows that Fortunato is not in danger of dying from a cold, but rather of being murdered by Montresor. Montresor’s consolation is just a ruse to lead Fortunato closer to his death.
"imposture..."See in text(The Cask of Amontillado)
The noun “imposture” refers to the practice of deceiving others by pretending to be someone else. Montresor claims that Italians pretend to be experts in—or show “enthusiasm” for—certain subjects as a means of deceiving wealthy clients. Montresor’s criticism is blatantly hypocritical, given that he deceives Fortunato by luring him to his house under false pretenses.
"you are luckily met...."See in text(The Cask of Amontillado)
Having learned that Montresor intends to take revenge upon Fortunato, we know that this meeting is anything but lucky for Fortunato. Poe's use of situational irony here helps shape Montresor's character by showing the ease with which he misleads the victim of his revenge, whom he calls his friend.
"Fortunato..."See in text(The Cask of Amontillado)
Poe's choice for the antagonist's name indicates that he intended it to be ironic, a dominant literary element in the story. Fortunato, as the victim, is certainly not fortunate, and his fortune, or money, doesn't assist him in any way.
