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To convey the intended meaning, Poe uses symbolism throughout “The Cask of Amontillado.” Here are some examples of symbolism in the story:
Poe uses the word cask to mean “casket” in the story. Fortunato single-mindedly looks for the cask, in terms of a barrel of wine, but all the while Montresor single-mindedly envisions Fortunato in a casket. Thus, in search of a cask, Fortunato ends up in his casket.
Fortunato’s jester like clothing, complete with the bell on his hat, conveys that he is a buffoon or that he is simple-minded. It is this naivety that Montresor exploits to trick Fortunato into entering the catacomb.
The long, dark journey Montresor and Fortunato take in the catacomb is symbolic of Montresor delving deeper into his madness and fury and Fortunato delving deeper into his pride and naivety.
The Montresor family motto is the Latin phrase Nemo me impune lacessit, which means, “No one attacks me with impunity.” This motto serves as foreshadowing of Montresor’s actions against Fortunato.
Montresor often refers to the nitre in the story, calling it “the white webwork which gleams from these cavern walls.” The nitre symbolizes a web that surrounds Fortunato, allowing him no escape from the tomb.
