2. The Cask of Amontillado Introducing the Story Lured away from the festivities of carnival by the promise of a fine wine, Fortunato takes an ill-fated journey into the depths of Montresor’s family catacombs. Are you willing to follow along as Fortunato is led through the dark, dank tunnels by a madman bent on revenge? [End of Section]

3. 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

4. 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 [End of Section]

5. 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 [End of Section]

6. 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 [End of Section]

7. 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

8. 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

9. Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809 to traveling actors. His father deserted the family, and Poe’s mother died before Edgar was three. Poe was taken in as a foster child by the wealthy and childless Allan family of Richmond. However, he later fell out of favor with his foster father and was left penniless. Poe wrote regularly and his works were successful with the public. Conservative critics, though, mocked Poe’s unusual poems and stories. The Cask of Amontillado Meet the Writer More About the Writer [End of Section]