“The Cask of Amontillado”
by Edgar Allan Poe
Language Arts 8
Edgar Allan Poe
January 19, 1809-October 7, 1849
• Born in Boston, Mass.
• One of three children
• Parents separated, mom died when he
was two, & Edgar went to live with Mr.
& Mrs. John Allan—a successful
merchant
• Went school in England for a few years,
then returned to America & attended
the University of Virginia in 1826
• Lived in Boston, Richmond, Philadelphia,
Baltimore & NYC
• Was a struggling writer (and a drunk!) for
most of his adult life
• A number of his homes are dedicated
museums today
Carnivale
• Carnivale typically involves a public
celebration or parade combining some
elements of a circus, mask and public street
party. People often dress up or masquerade
during the celebrations, which mark an
overturning of daily life.
• The main events are usually during February.
• Carnivale is a festive season which occurs
immediately before Lent.
• Carnivale is traditionally held in areas with a
large Catholic and, to a lesser extent,
Eastern Orthodox makeup.
• Carnivale is similar to our Mardi Gras in New
Orleans.
Vocabulary
impunity: exemption from penalty or punishment
connoisseur: person of discriminating taste
clamored: noisily shouted
virtuoso: Spirit: deep interest and knowledge of the arts
gemmary: knowledge of precious stones
immolation: sacrifice; killed by fire
motley: multicolored costume of a jester
pipe: large cask used for wine and oil
suites: group of rooms occupied as a unit
sherry: amber colored dry wine
Vocabulary
cask: large container for beer or wine
roquelaire: a knee-length coat
perceive: attain understanding or awareness
niter: white or grey salt deposit
palazzo: a palace or luxurious house
masons: freemasons; bricklayers
utterance: something expressed; statement
puncheons: barrel-shaped vessel used for liquids
arms: insignia with figures & a family motto
flambeaux: lighted torches
Vocabulary
catacombs: subterranean cemetery; underground
passageway
crypt: an underground chamber
aperture: an opening or open space
rapier: long double-edged sword
Latin is Not a Dead Language
• Many words in the English language are derived
from Latin root words. The roots are a key to
understanding and expanding vocabulary.
Additionally, certain Latin phrases are used in
works of literature. “The Cask of Amontillado” is
one of those literary pieces.
• “Nemo me impune lacessit.” – No one assails
me with impunity.
• “In pace requiescat!” – May he rest in peace.
Examples of Foreshadowing
• “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I have borne…”
• “Enough,” he said, “the cough is a mere nothing…I shall
not die from a cough.”
• The mention of the family crest. “ A huge human foot
d’or…”
• Throughout the catacombs lay the bones and chains of
others.
• “You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are
happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed.”
• The trowel beneath the roquelaire.
• De Grave (variety of sherry) translates to the grave.
Examples of Irony
• Fortunato’s name means good fortune or
luck.
• The title (Cask) means both a wine barrel
and is the root word of casket which is a
coffin.
• Fortunato’s motley (jester’s outfit) is a
contrast to his fate.
• The double edged reference to masons.
Montresor will build Fortunato’s tomb.