Irony
What is the situational irony of Montresor's toast to Fortunato?
He wishes him a long life while planning to kill him.
What detail in the beginning hints at Fortunato's fate?
Montresor vows to get revenge.
Who is the protagonist of "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Montresor is our narrator.
What is Edgar Allan Poe best known for in literature?
Horror / Gothic elements
What are the main characteristics of Gothic literature?
Mystery, Haunted, Psychological Horror, Supernatural, Dark Atmosphere
How does the title "The Cask of Amontillado" itself illustrate irony?
There is no cask.
How does Poe use the setting to foreshadow the events that unfold in the catacombs?
He described the catacombs as a dank, cramped space filled with bones, building tension.
Describe the character traits of Fortunato.
Prideful, naive, aloof, a fool.
How did Poe's personal life influence his writing?
His own life is marked by tragedies. (Ex. Alchoholism)
How does "The Cask of Amontillado" exemplify Gothic elements?
Atmosphere, Psychological, Dark
What is the dramatic irony present in Montresor's interactions with Fortunato throughout the story?
He is friendly, but manipulative.
Identify a line from the story that foreshadows Montresor's true intentions.
EXAMPLE: "Once more let me implore you to return. No? Then I must positively leave you. But I must first render you all the little attentions in my power."
What motivates Montresor to seek revenge against Fortunato?
"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge."
Name two other works by Edgar Allan Poe that explore similar themes.
"The Raven"
"The Fall of the House of Usher"
"Ligeia"
"The Masque of the Red Death"
"The Tell-Tale Heart"
Identify a common theme in Gothic literature that appears in Poe's works.
Madness, Guilt, Supernatural, Dark Atmosphere
Describe an example of verbal irony in Montresor's speech.
"Yes. Let us go."
How does Fortunato's cough foreshadow his eventual fate?
"Enough," he said; "the cough's a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough."
How does Montresor’s character change throughout the story?
He seemed to enjoy this heartless murder. But when Fortunato stops responding, he seems to feel some sort of guilt before continuing. Maybe he realizes Fortunato has no clue why he is doing it, and it takes the fun out of it.
What elements of Poe's writing style are evident in "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Revenge, Unreliable Narrator, Foreshadowing, Gothic Descriptions
How does the setting contribute to the Gothic atmosphere in "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Dark, Dank, Skulls, Cobwebs
How does the ending of the story exemplify irony in terms of Montresor's character?
He almost feels remorseful.
Discuss how the Amontillado itself serves as a foreshadowing element in the narrative.
It was never real; it was just part of Montresor's master plan (deceit). "Cask" is also very close to "casket."
Analyze the relationship between Montresor and Fortunato and how it affects the story’s outcome.
Fortunato is oblivious to his wrongdoings towards Montresor. Montresor is deceptively friendly.
Discuss the significance of the unreliable narrator in Poe's works, particularly in this story.
The readers do not know what Fortunato has done to deserve Montresor's ire. Neither does Fortunato.
Discuss the role of horror and the supernatural in Gothic literature, using examples from Poe's writing.
Narrations of madness, guilt. Dark and eerie atmospheres. Ghosts and resurrection. Evoke fear and deepen the human psyche.