The Narrator
Why does Montresor decide to kill Fortunato?
Fortunato insulted Montresor.
List one of the ways Montresor tricks Fortunato.
Keeps Fortunato drunk
Uses Luchesi's name to get Fortunato to go with him
Pretends to be worried about Fortunato's cold.
What does Fortunato wear on his head?
a cap with bells
What is the setting of "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Italy, during carnival
Who is Luchesi?
Another wine expert that lives in town.
Why is it so easy for Montresor to chain up Fortunato?
Montresor makes sure Fortunato stays drunk.
The following statements provide a summary of the events in paragraphs 76–89. Number them in the order in which they occur.
_______a. Fortunato refuses to respond to Montresor.
_____ b. Montresor puts the final stone in the wall.
_____ c. Fortunato yells at Montresor, then tries laughing the situation off as a joke.
_____ d. Fortunato moans and rattles his chains.
A. 3
B. 4
C. 2
D. 1
Why was it so easy for Montresor to trick Fortunato?
Fortunato was drunk.
Reread this sentence from paragraph 89: “
For the half of a century no mortal has disturbed them.”
What information about the story does this sentence convey?
c. Fifty years have passed since the events of the story.
In a staged (acting in a play) version of “The Cask of Amontillado,” which tone of voice should an actor use to represent the narrator’s feelings toward Fortunato?
a. Admiring
b. Disgusted
c. Peaceful
d. Joyful
b. Disgusted
Reread this sentence from paragraph 1 of the text: “You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that I gave utterance to a threat.”
What does the underlined phrase imply about the person to whom Montresor is speaking?
This person knows Montresor (the narrator) well.
What would most likely be MISSING if the story were written from Fortunato’s point of view?
a. The reader would not know that Montresor was angry with Fortunato.
b. The reader would not know how Fortunato feels about Montresor.
c. The reader would not know that Montresor offered to consult with Luchesi.
d. The reader would not know that the vaults below Montresor’s home are damp and encrusted with nitre.
A
In paragraph 76, Montresor describes a “long and obstinate silence” coming from the recess where Fortunato is. What is Montresor implying when he calls Fortunato’s silence “obstinate” (or stubborn)?
b. That Fortunato is trying to upset Montresor
Why did Montresor think carnival would help him hide his identity?
Everyone was wearing masks and costumes, including him.
18. Read these sentences from paragraph 77: “I replied to the yells of him who clamored. I re-echoed—I aided—I surpassed them in volume and in strength. I did this, and the clamorer grew still.”
What does the word “replied” mean in this context?
Yelled loudly
All of the following are clues Montresor gives Fortunato about what he has planned for Fortunato accept ______________.
When Fortunato asks if he is a mason, he says, " Yes, " and shows him the trowel.
Montresor explains that his family crest means no one shall attack him without being punished.
Montresor shows Fortunato the chains before he chains Fortunato up.
Montresor keeps encouraging Fortunato to drink heavily.
Montresor shows Fortunato the chains before he chains Fortunato up.
Reread paragraph 3. Which TWO sentences from this paragraph suggest that Fortunato is an expert on fine wine?
Paragraph 3 a. He had a weak point—this Fortunato—although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. b. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine. c. Few Italians have the true virtuoso spirit. d. For the most part their enthusiasm is adopted to suit the time and opportunity—to practise imposture upon the British and Austrian millionaires. e. In painting and gemmary, Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack—but in the matter of old wines he was sincere. f. In this respect I did not differ from him materially: I was skilful in the Italian vintages myself, and bought largely whenever I could.
b and e
In the film, why did the directors choose to make Fortunato much taller than Montresor?
They wanted to make Montresor appear less threatening.
Why were the catacombs a dangerous place for Fortunato?
The air is not very fresh. It is damp, and with his cold, Fortunato is already having trouble breathing.
Reread Paragraph 2: “It must be understood, that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my goodwill. I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation.”
Which of the following can be inferred from this paragraph?
a. Montresor is keeping his plans for revenge secret from Fortunato.
Reread these sentences from paragraph 1 of the text: At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitively settled—but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved, precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.
Montresor (the narrator) uses the word “avenger” to refer to
himself
10. Number the events of the story in the order in which they occur.
_____ a. Montresor runs into Fortunato during the carnival season. _____ b. Fortunato invites himself to Montresor’s home to sample Montressor’s Amontillado wine. _____ c. Montresor tells Fortunato that he is on his way to visit Luchesi. _____ d. Montresor tells Fortunato that he has acquired a pipe of Amontillado. _____ e. Fortunato does something that insults or injures Montresor’s pride.
1. e
2. a
3. d
4. c
5. b
What does the name Fortunato mean in Italian?
"lucky," "fortunate," "blessed," or "happy"
This question has two parts.
Part 1: Which can be inferred about Montresor’s feelings as he imprisons Fortunato?
a. He feels sickened by what he is doing.
b. He enjoys imagining that Fortunato is suffering.
c. He feels exhausted because of the difficulty of the task.
d. He feels afraid that his actions will be discovered.
This question has two parts.
Part 2: Which quote from the text BEST supports your answer?
a. “It was in vain that Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch, endeavored to pry into the depths of the recess.” (69)
b. “The noise lasted for several minutes, during which, that I might hearken to it with the more satisfaction, I ceased my labors and sat down upon the bones.” (76)
c. “It was now midnight, and my task was drawing to a close.” (77)
d. “‘Yes,’ I said, ‘for the love of God!’” (84)
Part 1 B
Part 2 B
Reread this passage from paragraph 77:
A succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to thrust me violently back. For a brief moment I hesitated—I trembled. Unsheathing my rapier, I began to grope with it about the recess: but the thought of an instant reassured me. I placed my hand upon the solid fabric of the catacombs, and felt satisfied.
In a movie about the story, which two expressions or gestures could an actor make to BEST emphasize Montresor’s emotions in this moment?
a. First: Eyes rolling with annoyance Later: Fist shaking threateningly
b. First: Eyebrows frowning in confusion Later: A sigh of relief
c. First: A chuckle of embarrassment Later: A gasp of recognition
d. First: Eyes wide with terror Later: A small grin of satisfaction
d. First: Eyes wide with terror Later: A small grin of satisfaction