The Cask of Amontillado
By Edgar Allen Poe
Historical Context and
Background
What is the setting?
The story takes place in mid
18th century Italy in the height
of Carnival season just before
Lent. This is similar to the
“Mardi Gras” celebration. The
time of day is dusk.
Who is Montresor?
Montresor is a nobleman (a
Count) of French ancestry
who is seeking revenge. He
owns a Palazzo (a mansion)
nearby.
Who is Fortunato?
He is a bourgeois (rich) Italian
who fancies himself a wine
expert. He is at the Carnival
and is under the impression
that he and Montresor are
friends.
What are Catacombs?
 Catacombs are underground burial chambers.
 Catacombs have extensive tunnels below large
estates, such as Palazzos, leading to chambers or
recesses where the ancestors of wealthy aristocratic
European families are left to rest in peace.
 Since there was no refrigeration during that time, the
wealthy would store their fine wines in their catacombs
to preserve them.
Analyze the Effect of Setting:
In The Cask of Amontillado, Poe
carefully chose a setting to support his
story. What parts of the story depend
on the setting he selected? How
would the story be different if the
setting were changed?
Setting Analysis and
Effect
Complete each of the following
statements by imagining at least one
outcome that would result from a
change in the setting. Then, defend
your answers with reasoning based
on evidence from The Cask of
Amontillado in a few sentences.
Address the following setting
changes and the effects:
 If Montresor had met Fortunato during the day
instead of at dusk
 If the events had occurred during a period of
solemn religious observance instead of a period of
merrymaking
 If the story had taken place in the United States
instead of in Italy
 If Montresor had lived in a more modest home
instead of a palatial residence
 If the story had taken place in present day.