by Edgar Allan Poe

The Cask of Amontillado

The Alan Parsons Project

Literary Terms● mood: overall feeling or atmosphere of

a story.● setting: location, environment, and

time of the events of a story.● suspense:feeling created by author

when the audience is anticipating an upcoming event.

Background Information● Last short story Poe

ever wrote (1846)● Setting: Italy,

during Carnival● Characters: The

narrator (Montresor) and Fortunato

Background Information● cask - large barrel

to store alcohol● amontillado - type of

wine

Background Information

● catacombs - underground place of burial.

Active Coding

* = Key Idea WOW = Surprising InfoT-S = Text-Self I = InferenceT-T = Text-Text ? = QuestionT-W = Text-World L = New Learning

I had put up with Fornato’s abuse as well as I could, but when he insulted me, I was determined to get even. However, I did not threaten him or give him any reason to worry. I would get my revenge, alright, but when the time is right and without

hurting myself.

Getting even is not worth it if the person getting even is punished for what he did. It is also not worth it unless the person I am seeking revenge

against understands that he has wronged me and I am

paying him back for what he did.

Cask of Amontillado Movie Cask of Amontillado Questions1. What is the meaning of the phrase “A wrong is unredressed

when retribution overtakes its redresser”? It is basically saying that Fortunato has to pay. Since Fortunato hasn't taken the time to make things right, Montresor will have to now take matters into his own hands and issue Fortunato a fitting punishment.

2. Why did Montresor seek revenge on Fortunato? Montresor felt as though Fortunato has wronged him on numerous occasions.

3. How did Montresor know that the house would be empty? The carnival was taking place. He told the attendants that he would not be home until morning and they were not to leave the house.

Cask of Amontillado Questions4. Where had the stone and mortar, used by Montresor to wall up the entrance to the niche, been hidden? Under bones.5. In your own words, describe the catacombs that Fortunato is led through. It is underground; it is dark and there are piles of bones6. Where and when is the story set? Give reasons for your answer. It is early evening, in catacombs in an Italian city during a carnival.7. Why does Montresor make sure Fortunato has had a lot of wine to drink? So that he would have little trouble chaining him up and walling him in when he kills him.

Cask of Amontillado Questions8. What is Luchasi’s role in the story? He is a wine expert and Montresor lured Fortunato into the catacombs by saying that he could always get Luchesi to taste the Amontillado instead of Fortunato. He is used to ensure that Fortunato comes with him.9. What preparations had Montressor made for his revenge? He lured him with the Amontillado. The bricks and mortar were already where they needed to be. The chains were also in place so that he could fetter him to the wall.10. Why does Montresor appear concerned about Fortunato’s health?It is ironic because he is going to kill him. He wants him to live long enough, so he can kill him.