As an archaeology student at New York University, you are given the opportunity
to travel to Rome, Italy to help Archaeologist Dr. Mario DiGangi excavate some
recently discovered catacombs outside the ancient city walls. While digging at
one of the sites, you unearth the remains of a skeleton behind a make-shift wall.
On the ground near this niche is an old document titled The Cask of
Amontillado. Upon reading the document, you realize that it’s a written
confession to a murder! Using the ancient manuscript, as well as other sources
collected by Dr. Gangi, you must create a presentation of your findings in which
you answer the five questions below.
Your answers to the questions should include the appropriate or relevant
evidence (drawn from the Document Library on the next page) necessary to
support your positions. Explain the reasons for your conclusions, and justify those
conclusions by explicitly referring to the specific documents, images, and
articles on which your conclusions are based.
First, review the definitions of psychopath and sociopath on the website
Psychology Today. Consider the following question as you examine the
characteristics of both:

Based on the words and actions of Montressor, would you consider him to
be a psychopath or sociopath? What evidence led you to that
conclusion?
Second, review the other sources collected by Dr. Gangi in the Document
Library as you answer the questions below.
Third, create a presentation that explains your interpretation of these relics.
Keep in mind that you will present your theories and analysis of the artifacts to
the class.
QUESTIONS
1. How do the catacombs and the carnival setting contribute to Fortunato’s
dismal fate?
2. What is the definition of the word impunity? What is the connection
between impunity and the incidents described by Montressor?
3. What is the significance of Montresor’s Coat of Arms and the motto?
4. To whom might Montressor be confessing his crime? How much time
passed between the crime and the written confession? Why would he
ultimately decide to admit to this transgression?
5. What does it mean to commit “first degree murder?” Does this apply to
the events written about in The Cask of Amontillado?
Document Library

Carnival: History and Image

Legal Definition of First Degree Murder

Montressor Coat-of-Arms

The Christian Catacombs of Rome