Name_______________________
Period_______________
Study Guide for “The Cask of Amontillado”
I. VOCABULARY: Be able to define the following words and understand them when they
appear in the story.
Precluded: made impossible in advance; prevented
Retribution: punishment
Impunity: freedom from punishment
immolation: destruction
impose: take advantage of
connoisseurship: expert knowledge
recoiling: moving backwards, as if in horror
endeavored: tried
obstinate: stubborn
succession: series
II. LITERARY TERMS: Be able to define each term and apply each term to the story.
verbal irony _________________________________________________________________________
Example: _____________________________________________________________________
dramatic irony_______________________________________________________________________
Example:______________________________________________________________________
mood_________________________________________________________________________
*describe the mood of the story:____________________________________________________
Point of View________________________________________________________________________
Theme_________________________________________________________________
*What is the theme of the story?_______________________________________________
III. QUESTIONS: Answer the following questions.
1. What is the meaning of the phrase “A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser”?
Montresor needs to think of a way to get his revenge and get away with it at the same time.
2. Why did Montresor seek revenge on Furtonato?
Furtunato insulted Montresor. Since they were first class, it meant a lot more when he was insulted.
3. How did Montresor know that the house would be empty?
He told all of the maids to leave and be anywhere but the house.
4. Where had the stone and morter, used by Montresor to wall up the entrance to the niche, been hidden?
Under a pile of bones
5. In your own words, describe the catacombs that Furtunato is led through.
Dark, disgusting, mysterious
6. Where and when is the story set? Give reasons for your answer.
Set during the middle ages in Europe. I know this because of the names, the carnival, and the torch.
7. Why does Montresor make sure Fortunato has drunk a lot of wine?
So that he will be drunk and unable to defend himself.
8. What is Luchresi’s role in the story?
Luchesi was Montresor’s second choice to give the amontillado to, just to make Fortunato jealous.
9. What preparations had Montressor made for his revenge?
1. Made sure that Fortunato was drunk
2. Make Luchesi as a trap
3. Pick the place for killing
3. Make sure blocks were hidden
4. Told everyone to leave his house
5. Chain
10. Why does Montresor appear concerned about Fortunato’s health?
Montresor was just playing to be worried, but he was actually waiting for the kill.
11. Describe Fortunato’s character.
Fortunato was an innocent character, who was addicted to wine and is naive.