Irony is one of Poe's many stylistic triumphs in his body
of works. This story is no exception.
Your first example
of Fortunato's toast to the dead is ironic because of the nature and tradition of
toasts. People make toasts to celebrate happy occassions such as marriages, birthdays,
graduations and promotions. They are made to give encouragement and to wish luck upon
very living recipients. The dead do not have any use for luck or for encouragement.
The only two living people there are Fortunato, who will soon be joining the dead, and
Montressor, who will be killing him.
The second example is
the pride of the knowledge Fortunato has of good wine. The rare cask draws him toward
his death. It is his own pride in wanting to see this rare gem, or perhaps to prove
Montressor wrong, that lures him to his doom. Pride is a classic tragic flaw which has
caused the downfall of great men in literature and in
life.
"May he rest in peace" are the words of Montressor as
he is concluding his tale of revenge to an unknown audience. He shows no remorse at the
cruel death he has inflicted upon Fortunato and utters these words knowing that
Fortunato will NOT be resting in peace. In fact, he will be dying a very slow and
frightening death cemented alive in the walls.
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