It is better to have few close friends instead of having many friends, why? Because you would know who you could tell and always trust that it will be kept a secrect no matter what. Instead of having alot of friends where it wouldn't be really helpful because then you have to worry about information not being kept secrect, even though having less friends makes you feel lonely at times it is a good way to keep information hidden and not being gosspied around all over school, with less friends you aren't exposed to fake friends and if you are it'll probably be that 1 person that you have to let go instead of your whole friendship circle.
The cap and costume is symbolic because Fortunato is dressed as a clown, and acting like a clown (by being silly and drunk) and Montresor is making a fool of him
