In The Cask of Amontillado, Fortunato is sick with a cough. At the end, does he die of the cough. Is that the reason Montesor doesnt get a response from him? My English teacher said that he did not die of the cough, that they dont know when he did... but to me, it sounds like the coldness of the catacombs is what killed him. Please respond asap. Thanks, Cliff

-- Anonymous, January 21, 2004

Answers

Fortunato was locked by chain in the niche and then walled up alive by mortar and stone and LEFT to die. Your teacher was right! the story does not tell when or really how Fortunato died - Poe left that to the imagination as to how Fortunato died. In pace requiescat!

-- Anonymous, January 21, 2004

i have a question my teacher told me to go through this subject and pick out dramitic irony, verbal irony,and situation irony can anyone help??????

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2004

irony is when something happens that you wouldnt expect. For example if a fireman's house burns down. Or a mechanic has to take his car to get fixed by someone else. Your teacher wants you to talk about things the characters in the story did or said that were ironic. I know thats not a big help but I hope it helps you some what. And if its to late then maybe it will help you in the future.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2004

Fortunado died of lack of oxygen. After Montressor walled him up there was 1 last stone to put in the wall. Montressor called to fortunado and he did not reply. Then Montressor put the torch/fire in the cemented closure and placed in the last stone quickly. He put the fire in the enclosure to suck up the last of his oxygen. Those Fortunado died.

-- Anonymous, December 15, 2004