1. The Cask of Amontillado P. 211 CCRS – RL.9-10.1; RL.9-10.3; RL.9-10.4; RL.9-10.10; W.9-10.1; W.9-10.4; W.9-10.5; W.9-10.7; W.9-10.10; SL.9-10.1; SL.9-10.2; SL.9-10.3; SL.9-10.4; SL.9-10.6; L.9-10.1; L.9-10.2; L.9-10.3; L.9-10.4; L.9-10.5; L.9-10.6 Reading Skills – Drawing Conclusions

2. Writers sometimes assume a persona—a mask or a voice for a first-person narrator. When you read a story told by a first-person narrator, always ask yourself if you can trust the narrator. The Cask of Amontillado Literary Focus: Unreliable Narrator

3. An unreliable narrator may not always know the whole truth or may purposely choose to deceive us. The Cask of Amontillado Literary Focus: Unreliable Narrator actions statements voice—distinctive style of speaking diction—word choice tone—attitude To determine whether a narrator is reliable or not, pay attention to his or her

4. When you read a story, you gather evidence and draw conclusions, or make judgments, based on that evidence. The Cask of Amontillado Reading Skills: Drawing Conclusions To decide if Poe’s narrator is reliable, look closely at what the narrator says and does at what Fortunato, the narrator’s enemy, says

5. Centuries ago, Christians in Italy buried their dead in catacombs—long, winding underground tunnels. Later, wealthy families built private catacombs beneath their homes. Dark and cool, these chambers were suitable not only for burial but also for the storage of fine wines, such as amontillado. Poe’s story is set during carnival, which is celebrated before the start of Lent, the season during which Christians give up various pleasures. During carnival, many people wear costumes and dance in the streets. The Cask of Amontillado Background

6. Previewing the Vocabulary precluded v.: made impossible in advance; prevented. impunity n.: freedom from punishment or harm. retribution n.: punishment. immolation n.: destruction. connoisseurship n.: expert knowledge. impose v. (used with upon): take advantage of. The Cask of Amontillado Vocabulary p. 210

7. Previewing the Vocabulary recoiling v. used as adj.: moving backward, as in fear. endeavored v.: tried. obstinate adj.: stubborn. succession n.: series. The Cask of Amontillado Vocabulary p. 210

8. 1. The criminals thought that they could operate with no fear of punishment. 2. A whole series of lawyers had struggled to prove that he was guilty of the crime. 3. The defense lawyer felt that the public’s desire for revenge ruled out the possibility of acquittal. Vocabulary Activity Choose the best vocabulary word to replace each underlined word or phrase. retributionsuccessionimpunityprecludedendeavored The Cask of Amontillado Vocabulary impunity succession; endeavored retribution; precluded

9. The Cask of Amontillado Quickwrite Make the Connection Edgar Allan Poe was a master at writing stories of revenge. What experiences could lead someone to seek revenge? How could an obsession with vengeance lead to tragedy? Jot down your responses, and include examples from stories or movies.

10. While Reading – Drawing Conclusions (questions located inside story) 1.What does the narrator’s smiling at the thought of Fortunato’s death tell you about his character? (p. 212) 2.How does the narrator lure Fortunato to his palace? What does the narrator’s strategy tell you about him? (p. 213) 3.Why might Montresor be carrying a trowel? What can you conclude about his plans? (p. 215) 4.What can you conclude about Montresor’s state of mind when he stops his work to enjoy Fortunato’s cries? (p. 217) 5.Do you think Montresor’s “heart grew sick” because of the dampness or for some other reason? Support your conclusion. (p. 217)

11. Group Activity Research and Speech Activity P. 219 Writing – Crime and Punishment –In your group select one person to be the lawyer who will do the speaking. –The other members of the group are to help the lawyer create a speech either in defense of Montresor or to prosecute Montresor (as assigned to your group). You may do research to help support your position. –The person selected as the lawyer will present your speech to the class. However, all group members must be prepared to answer questions and defend your group’s position.

12. Activity P. 219 Questions 1-13