Since the age of Fortunato is not given, we must guess. Unfortunately Poe does not leave us many clues, so we should first start with Fortunato's background.
The third paragraph suggests that Fortunato has some experience with paintings, gems, and fine wines. Even though he lacks expertise in the first two, these are not hobbies practiced by commoners. Later, the narrator indicates that he has servants. This also gives us the idea the he and...
Since the age of Fortunato is not given, we must guess. Unfortunately Poe does not leave us many clues, so we should first start with Fortunato's background.
The third paragraph suggests that Fortunato has some experience with paintings, gems, and fine wines. Even though he lacks expertise in the first two, these are not hobbies practiced by commoners. Later, the narrator indicates that he has servants. This also gives us the idea the he and Fortunato are members of the elite.
The two biggest clues are how Fortunato meets the narrator and his coughing fit. When they meet, Fortunato is drunk in the street, celebrating the carnival season. His clothes and hat give the idea of a jester, which would suggest that he is a young man enjoying the holidays.
In contrast, his coughing fit in the dungeon would suggest old age. He is overcome "for many minutes." One could guess that it is from smoking, but Fortunato never uses tobacco in the story. Given these clues, we can guess that he is perhaps in his thirties, though one could argue younger or older.
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