The
setting significantly contributes to Montresor's success and allows him to manipulate the
unsuspecting Fortunato, who is distracted by the "supreme madness of the carnival
season." By choosing to approach his enemy during the carnival season, Montresor is able to
conceal his identity by wearing a black mask and roquelaure while simultaneously meeting
Fortunato when he is under the influence of alcohol. The setting of the carnival is depicted as
a joyous, chaotic affair, where citizens indulge in alcohol and wear elaborate costumes.
Revelers like Fortunato do not suspect that their lives are in danger and are completely
consumed by the turbulent, festive . The happy, celebratory setting of the carnival is
juxtaposed to Montresor's dark, ominous revenge plot.
When Montresor
approaches Fortunato, he is intoxicated and wearing motley, which consists of a tight fitting
striped dress and a conical cap with bells. Fittingly, Fortunato plays the fool as Montresor
easily manipulates him into visiting his palazzo and following him into his family's catacombs
to try the rare Amontillado wine. Given the festive atmosphere and Montresors amicable
personality, Fortunato has no reason to suspect him. Montresor's attire also conceals his
identity as his intoxicated, unsuspecting enemy follows him home. In the carnival setting,
citizens are masked while Montresor is unmasked once he is in his family's vaults. Symbolically,
Montresor's gesture of taking off his mask reveals his true intentions. Once Montresor has
Fortunato in his vaults, he proceeds to shackle him to the back wall and buries him alive.
Overall, the carnival setting distracts the unsuspecting Fortunato, who is easily manipulated by
the masked Montresor.
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