The Cask of Amontillado by: Edgar Allan Poe

Vocabulary PrecludedExplicit RetributionRecoiling AccostedTermination AfflictedSubsided Page 5

Edgar Allan Poe ► ► He is considered the father of the modern detective story. ► Both of his parents died at the age of three ► Lived with his wealthy uncle, John Allan ► Attended the University of Virginia

Edgar Allan Poe ► Poe left Virginia after only 8 months and joined the army ► The Raven and Other Poems (1845) won him fame as a poet ► Poe was known as a complex person, tormented and alcoholic yet also considerate and humorous, a good friend, and an affectionate husband.

Background ► Catacombs began in the Middle Ages but then they were known as charnels ► Many funerals were held in catacombs ► Wealthy Europeans had these catacombs under their house and filled with ancestors ► The most extensive known catacombs can be found outside of Rome

Characters/setting/plot ► Montresor vs. Fortunato ► Carnival season in Europe ► Montresor has vowed revenge on Fortunato and because of the carnival season and his virtuoso in wine, Montresor is able to fool Fortunato and kill him within his catacombs

Literary Analysis ► The mood of a work of literature is the primary feeling that the reader experiences while reading it. ► What is the mood of this story?

How can the reader gain sympathy for Fortunato? ► The narrator does not specify what wrongs Fortunato has done to him (Injury and insult) ► Fortunato is a drunken fool; he is unaware of what is going on ► Fortunato is dressed as a jester

What is the mood of this Poe story? ► The mood is creepy, spine- tingling and suspenseful. The narrator is determined to get revenge. Montresor’s coolness and calmness about him suggests that he will succeed in revenge.

Mood ► How does the conversation on page 8 add to the mood of the story? ► How does the setting add to the mood? ► What senses does Poe appeal to, to add to the mood?

Activities ► Review and assess on page 12 ► EdHelper review ► Research Carnival, the season before Lent and write an essay ► Good review lettiere/cask%20of%20amontillado.doc lettiere/cask%20of%20amontillado.doc lettiere/cask%20of%20amontillado.doc ► Essay questions 10/Cask%20of%20Amontillado.doc 10/Cask%20of%20Amontillado.doc 10/Cask%20of%20Amontillado.doc