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What are some of the main ironies of the story "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe?

Irony is when something happens that is the opposite of what you would expect. One irony is that Montresor decides to kill Fortunato during the Carnival, which is meant to be a happy occasion. This is one of the reasons Fortunato doesn’t suspect anything. He is drunk on wine and dressed up in a silly outfit. He is having a good time, while Montresor is planning a murder.


The man wore motley. He had on...

Irony is when something happens that is the opposite of what you would expect. One irony is that Montresor decides to kill Fortunato during the Carnival, which is meant to be a happy occasion. This is one of the reasons Fortunato doesn’t suspect anything. He is drunk on wine and dressed up in a silly outfit. He is having a good time, while Montresor is planning a murder.



The man wore motley. He had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells. I was so pleased to see him that I thought I should never have done wringing his hand.



Another irony is that Montresor is accusing Fortunato of doing something terrible to him, some “thousand injuries,” when Montresor is actually the bad guy. Whatever Fortunato did seems insignificant compared to murder.


There is also some verbal irony used in the story. Verbal irony is when words or usage seem to contradict each other in a sentence. For example, Montresor says, "I must not only punish but punish with impunity." It is ironic Montresor only feels he has successfully punished someone if he gets away with punishing the person without being punished himself.


It may be considered creepy, but it is also ironic how happy Fortunato is to see Montresor and how happy Montresor is to see him.



I said to him—"My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day. 



Finally, there is Fortunato's name. His name indicates he should be fortunate, but he is about to end up murdered and bricked into a wall for at least fifty years. Most people would not consider that a lucky fate.

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