“The Cask of Amontillado” Guide Questions
Reading Check
1.
According to Montresor, what is Fortunato’s weakness?
2. Why are there no attendants at the narrator’s palazzo?
3. Where does Montresor lead Fortunato?
4. What does Montresor produce to indicate ironically that he is a member of the secret
organizations called the Freemasons?
5. What is Fortunato unable to resist when Montresor chains him to the granite wall?
For Analysis
1.
In the opening paragraph, Montresor speaks of carrying out his revenge with “impunity”—with
freedom from risk of punishment. Give an account of his plan.
2. During Carnival, people often appear in the streets in costume. Why is it appropriate that
Fotunato is wearing a jester’s costume?
3. Poe uses dramatic irony as he gives us hints of his intentions for Fortunato. Find examples.
4. The walling up of Fortuanto while he is still alive is meant to arouse horror in the reader. How
does Poe achieve this?