Quote 1
It was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my friend. (6)
The carnival season represents freedom. It happens just before Lent. Everybody parties during carnival to prepare for the seriousness and sacrifice of Lent. But, for Fortunato, the carnival season soon becomes the opposite of what it’s supposed to be.
“Come,” I said, with decision, “we will go back; your health is precious.” (35)
At this point, Fortunato might still be free to turn back, but he is trapped be his desire for the Amontillado. We wonder what would have happened if he’d tried to leave. Would Montresor have dragged him in to the crypt anyway?
Quote 3
His eyes flashed with a fierce light. He laughed and threw the bottle upwards with a gesticulation I did not understand. (54)
Fortunato is both trapped and freed by the drink. It frees him from his inhibitions – but this blinds him to his vulnerability, letting him move deeper and deeper into Montresor’s trap.