The Black Cat
What is the name of the narrator's first cat in "The Black Cat"?
Pluto
Who is the narrator mourning in this poem?
Annabel Lee
What is the primary motivation of Montresor in "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Revenge
What does Prince Prospero’s name sound like in English? What does this tell us about the character?
Prosperous - it tells us he is wealthy and shares his wealth (only with his friends)
In which city was Edgar Allan Poe born?
Boston, MA
How does the narrator feel about his cat?
Loves it at the beginning, then grows to hate the cat as the story progresses.
Discuss the use of repetition in "Annabel Lee." Why is it effective?
To show the speaker's overwhelming grief and obsessive remembrance of his lost love.
How does Poe use dramatic irony in "The Cask of Amontillado"?
We know Montresor plans to kill Fortunado, but Fortunado does not know.
Is Prince Prospero a good person? Why or why not?
Yes and no.
He saves only his friends during the plague, leaving the others to die.
Define "stanza".
the group of verses in a poem
How does the narrator's character change throughout the story?
He develops alcoholism and becomes abusive to his wife and animals.
Identify an example of situational irony in "Annabel Lee."
The speaker swears angels killed his Annabel Lee, but angels are beings of good and kindness, they would not kill someone. In actuality, a cold killed his love.
Describe the significance of the setting in the catacombs.
It represents a place of death, decay, and secrecy, perfectly aligning with Montresor's planned revenge against Fortunato.
Who/what is the “Red Death”?
The masked man who interrupts the party/a symbol for the Black Plague sickness
Poe's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on ________________________________ literature.
Gothic
Is the narrator a passive or active character? Why do you say this?
Active - because he actively adds to/changes the events in the story.
How does the setting influence the mood of "Annabel Lee"?
The vastness and coldness of the ocean mirrors the speaker's deep grief over the loss of his love, creating a sense of isolation and despair that is further emphasized by the lonely coastal landscape.
What is a key characteristic of Fortunato that leads to his downfall?
Arrogance and excessive pride.
Identify an example of situational irony in “The Masque of the Red Death” Why is it effective?
The Prince's attempt to escape the deadly Red Death by isolating himself in an abbey, only to die within the walls.
Poe invented the ____________________________ genre.
Detective
How is the theme of guilt shown in the narrator's actions in "The Black Cat"?
When the narrator says he regrets his actions, and when he tries to stop himself at the beginning.
Compare the feelings of love and loss depicted in "Annabel Lee."
The love is portrayed as pure and powerful, while the loss is presented as a constant ache, forever linked to the memory of their shared happiness.
Analyze how Poe develops the theme of revenge in "The Cask of Amontillado."
The narrator maintains a chillingly detached and self-justifying perspective throughout the story.
Montresor cleverly manipulates Fortunato's vanity and love of wine by luring him into the family catacombs.
He tells us at the beginning of his intentions and plans his revenge to the last brick.
Why is knowing history important in story telling?
it allows authors to tap into real-world anxieties and experiences
Differentiate between "passive characters" and "active characters."
Active characters are the driving force, taking action, making decisions, and pushing the plot forward. Passive characters react to the events around them.