I would interpret it as how people only look at reality, not what's inside or what they can't see.
Climax is the section of the plot is best represented by the passage above
She said that she can write a story.
The author want the reader to feel terror while reading "The Cask of Amontillado"
Peasants more readily accepted unpleasant facts of life, while the middle class tried to deny them.
Ivan' servant keeps saying that its no trouble staying up with him all night, because he hopes someone else will do the same for him when he is unwell and dying. On the other hand, the middle class society his illness and impending death as a mere inconvenience.
