1. The Cask of Amontillado
Discussion Guide

2. Check Test: Questions and Answers
1. Briefly identify the narrator of the story.
2. How does Montresor describe Fortunato?
3. What is amontillado?
4. What is the Montresor coat of arms? What idea is reinforced with this motto?
5. Exactly how does Montresor get revenge?

3. Discussion 1. How is this story ironic?
2. How do you feel about the narrator?
3. How do you feel about Fortunado?
4. How would you change the ending?
5. How does Poe make the narrator’s character seem more sympathetic than we would expect him to be in this story?
6. How is setting important in this story?
7. Did you think that Montressor’s actions were justified?

4. Discussion
Do you think Montresor should have killed Fortunato? Why or why not?
What do you think Fortunato might have done to make Montresor want such a diabolical revenge?
In your opinion, did Montresor have to kill Fortunato? Is their any other way Montresor could have handled this situation? Explain
Do you think Montresor's crime will ever be discovered? Why or why not?

5. Quotes to Consider: What do they mean and how do they apply to the story?
“An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” -- Mahatma Gandhi
“Don't get mad, get even.” -- Robert F. Kennedy
“She got even in a way that was almost cruel. She forgave them.” -- Ralph McGill about Eleanor Roosevelt
“Success is the sweetest revenge.” -- Vanessa Williams
“Revenge is often like biting a dog because the dog bit you.” -- Austin O'Malley

6. Group Activity
In small groups, answer the small group questions for “The Cask of Amontillado.” Answer the questions IN COMPLETE SENTENCES to receive credit.