The Pilgrims were mentally prepared to bear and overcome any trouble that might come to them in the harsh environment, as they believed those were temptations that God lays on them. When faced with a disease and hunger during the first winter, they didn't despair. The only seven people who didn't get sick took over all the work.
What are the answer choices?
One pun is where Fortunato reveals that he is a member of the Freemasons and Montresor says that he too is a "mason." It is a pun because he does not mean a "Freemason"; he means a mason, a craftsman who does brickwork, the kind Montresor plans to perform on Fortunato to seal him in the catacombs forever.
Society, which is cold and unforgiving. I hope this helps (APEX).
