The Cask of Amontillado Montresor Quotes

This passage suggests that the wine is giving both men courage and a sense of elation. While it seems to make Fortunato let down his guard, the wine appears to make Montresor more alert and aware.

This is a pretty obvious pun. We don’t really need foreshadowing at this point to let us know that wine, in so many ways, is leading Fortunato to his “grave.” Nor do we need to be reminded that things are getting “grave,” as in “serious.” Ironically, this “grave” pun actually lightens the mood, at least a little.

Distill means to “purify,” “condense” or “refine something.” “Rheum” has to do with mucous (and Fortunato’s cough). Montresor believes that Fortunato’s illness and his intoxication are connected. He also suggests that Fortunato’s eyes are somehow making him both drunker and even more ill.