“THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO” Preclude- To make impossible; verb Impunity- Protection against punishment; noun Retribution- Something given or done as a repayment or reward; noun Redress- To set right; make amends; verb Avenge- Inflict harm in return for; revenge; verb

VOCABULARY Perceive- To become aware of; come to realize or understand; verb Connoisseurship- To be an expert on a subject; noun Accost- To approach or speak in a bold way; verb Surmount- To be at the top of; verb Abscond- To leave secretly ; verb

VOCABULARY Catacomb- A series of graves; noun Distill- To purify or refine; verb Masonry- Brick or stone work; noun Trowel- A flat bladed tool used to apply plaster; noun Explicit- Definite; adjective Insufferable- Unbearable; adjective

EDGAR ALLAN POE MINI BIO

LISTEN TO “CASK OF AMONTILLADO”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Why is the narrator (Montresor) considered unreliable? Could the narrator be manipulating the truth? What was Montresor’s reason for killing Fortunato? Is Montresor justified in his action? What is an example of dramatic irony (the audience knows something a character doesn’t)? What about verbal irony (character says one thing and means something else)?