The Cask of Amontillado

Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809 Poe is classified as an American Romantic, detective fiction, and Gothic writer. Poe’s father left and his mother died when he was young He was raised by foster parents Spent a few years in the army to please his foster father, but soon dropped out and focused on writing Published first collection of poems in 1829 In 1833 his short stories began to be published in magazines. Poe did not achieve the success he felt he deserved due to his drug addiction and alcoholism Poe’s wife and mother both died from tuberculosis Poe disappeared for five days and was later found lying in the streets; he died a few days later in 1849

 Mood  The emotional quality of a literary work. The writer’s choice of language, subject matter, setting, and tone contribute to creating the mood of a story.  The mood is “The Cask of Amontillado” is suspenseful and dark.  Throughout the story Poe uses specific words to create the mood. He also uses the catacombs to create a setting that is dark and creepy.

 Montressor: narrator of the story; seeking revenge on Fortunato; convinces Fortunato to come to his catacombs, where he kills him  Fortunato: connoisseur of wine; has wronged Montressor too many times  Luchesi: never makes an appearance in the story, but Montressor uses him to lure Fortunato to his catacombs

 Catacombs: an underground cemetery consisting of a subterranean gallery with recesses for tombs, as constructed by the ancient Romans.

 Carnival: a time of great merry-making, partying, costumes, revelry, drunkenness, and mirth.

 Amontillado: a medium dry sherry.