Vocabulary and Language in The Cask of the Amontillado
Vocabulary
Practice: Choose the situation that most closely relates to each vocabulary word.
1. Aperture: A. a crack in a buildings foundation B. a large stack of lumber
2. Subside: A. two motorcycles speeding through traffic B. a strong wind losing
force
3. Impunity A. getting away with a personal foul in basketball B. a tiny hole in a
pair of socks
4. Termination A. someone starting a new school B. someone being fired from a
job
5. Repose: A. lying on a deserted island B. transporting a heavy load of rocks
6. Abscond A. making a public announcement B. sneaking out of lecture
7. Immolation: A. fatalities in a car crash B. cartons of spoiled milk
8. Prelude: A. getting vaccinated again polio B. creating a meal for dinner
Word List:
abscond
aperture
immolation
impunity
preclude
repose
subside
termination
Academic Vocabulary in Speaking
-aspect -circumstance -contribute -distinct -perceive
What aspects of Fortunato’s character enable him to be fooled by Montresor’s intentions? With a partner,
identify two or three aspects and discuss how they affect the outcome. Use at least two academic vocabulary
words in your discussion.
Vocabulary Strategies: The clud Word Family
Common Core: L.4c Consult reference materials to determine a words etymology.
The word preclude can be traced back to a Latin word meaning “to close.” From this root, which spellings also
include - clud, clos, clus, and claus - expanded to a sizeable word family. Preclude, in which the root is joined
with the prefix pre-, factually means “to close before.” If readers can identify the root in a family of words,
they can understand how they are connected in meaning.
Practice: Use each word in a sentence that shows the connection between its meaning and that of preclude.
Then, utilizing a dictionary, discover three additional words in the clud family.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Include
Recluse
Foreclosure
Exclusive
Closet
Clause
Seclusion
conclude
Language
Grammar and Style: Use the Correct Language
Common Core Standards: RL. 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including
figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone. L.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. L.3
Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for
meaning W. 4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to
task, purpose
Author Edgar Allen Poe utilizes formal language to tell his suspenseful story. This style of language includes
difficult and challenging vocabulary, complex sentence structure and standard punctuation, and sidesteps
contractions. Writers should use formal language when they want to their work to be serious. Below is an
example from the story:
“I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the
thought of his immolation.”
In the student models below, the second draft has been edited to make use of formal language. This formal
language reflects Poe’s style. The corrections are in blue.
Student Model Draft #1
It hadn’t occurred to me that Montresor would actually wall up the entrance to the niche. Where’d he think
he was going? I couldn’t believe he would leave me in this damp place?
Now notice out the different the second draft sounds by changing informal language to formal language.
Student Model Edited Draft
I soon realized, to my horror, that Montresor was actually walling up the entrance to the niche. Surely this was
merely a jest. After all, how could he leave me in a wretched, cavernous enclosure?
Connections: Reading – Writing
Expand you comprehension of “The Cask of Amontillado” by answering the writing task below. When you are
finished with your first draft, use the revising tip to improve your writing.
Writing Prompt
Extended Constructed Response: Monologue
What do you think goes through Fortunado’s head
after he figures out what has happened to him? Use
what you know about Fortunado to write a three-tofive paragraph monologue, retelling the last part of
the story from his point of view.
Revising Tip
Look back over your monologue. Did you use formal
language to convey Fortunato’s point of view? If not,
revise your response to more effectively reflect Poe’s
style.