How important is setting to the story?

The setting of the Cask of Amontillado has a great impact
on the overall impression of the storyline, as well as the perception of the characters
actions and personalities. For example, when Fortunato is first introduced in the story,
he is described as being in motley and with a jester's cap, which is a symbol of his
foolishness and his intoxication problem (this is what led them into the crypt in the
first place, to search for a cask of Amontillado). The setting of this moment supports
this perception because they are at a carnival, which not only distracts people from
wondering where Fortunato and Montresor have gone, but also symbolizes that the night
was already crazy and full of frivolity. When they arrive in the crypt, the molds that
cling to the wall, the stone blocks that pile in the area and the corpses that line the
perimeter help the reader fixate on the idea of being trapped, as well as providing
foreshadowing to the situation (Montresor seals Fortunato in the burial site using these
stones).

Hope this helped!