“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
Analysis of the Story
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Setting: What is the time and place of the story? What evidence tells us so?
19th century, before midnight (midnight the wall was finished) and a carnival is happening up above so
everybody is dressed up. It's possibly during the weekend because servants went away but then we know its
montresor who got them out in order to kill Fortunato. It is in italy perhaps, probably venise due to all the water.
Point of view: who is telling the story? What is the character like? What lies does the narrator tell? Give
evidence to his character.
Montresors have been around for generations and are all buried at the same place in the catacombs. Montresor
is weak in the way that he takes things personally (e.g. when fortunate insults him in a joky way). Also he is
jealous when he tells Fortunato 'you are rich, respected…'.
Characters: discuss the names, the personalities, the interaction they have with one another.
Montresor whom is the narrator murders Fortunato for insulting him (seeks revenge). He kills him by buruing
him alive in a way behind a wall of bricks he makes himself.
Fortunato is murdered by Montresor during a carnival since they seem to be dressed up. He also is a wine espert
which is what traps him in his own death (montresor use it as an excuse to bring him down to the cave).
Themes: What types of themes do you come across while reading this story?
There is the theme of 'Revenge' because Montresor feels a need of revenge towards Fortunato whom he says
has committed many offenses against him (insults).
Mood & Tone: What affect does the Dark Humor have on the tone and mood of the story?
The tone and mood is rather sarcastic due to the dark humor. Fortunato gets trapped because of his own
passion and there is a lot of forshadowing to do with the dark humour. Example when Fortunato says: It will not
kill me and Montresor replies: true – true. This is dark humor because he knows he wont die of a cough but
rather of intoxication and of thirst.
Gothic Elements: what elements are included in this story that make it gothic?
The scenery makes the story gothic such as the masquerade; a place where people can hide behind masks. Of
course it's at night and in a cave (underground) which represents the under world and also all of Montresor's
dead bodies, descendant are all buried there. It's a perfect scene for crime and on top of that the victim is an
easy one, being drunk.
Vocabulary: give ten examples of accurate word choice to insure the reader sees the image intended.
1. Masquerade /carnival
6.
2. Catacombs
7.
3. Intoxication
4. Vaults
5.
8.
9.
10.
Literary Devices: What literary devices does Poe use to create the exact effect that he intends? Give evidence of
each, especially of the three types of Irony.
He used foreshadowing as I have mentioned before. When he says: I won't die of a cough. Also as they go
underground in catacombs with bones everywhere, it suggests what is about to happen. Also as foreshadowing
as well as symbolism is the Montresor's family crest of the foot stepping on a snake, which is biting its heel.
Plot: Luchesi: what is his importance to the story?
Luchesi is the reason, which pushed Fortunato to agree to go down taste the one. Fortunato seems to feel
threaten in a competitive level by Luchesi and when Montresor basically tells him that if he doesn't want to
come taste the wine then he will ask Luchesi to do it. This makes Fortunato to not think twice and says that he
shall do it himself since himself only can taste the true savors of real wine.
Plot: Fortunato makes a sign and asks Montressor if he is of the brotherhood, if he is a Mason.
a) What is a Mason?
b) Explain the double meaning that Montressor gives them word “mason”.
c) Explain the significance of this exchange between Montressor and Fortunato as relates to the word
“mason”.
Plot: Analyze each of Montressor’s actions:
a) The Amontillado wine being purchased
b) Asking for Luchesi’s help
He does this so that Fortunato will agree to go himself taste the wine instead of Luchesi.
c) House being empty of all servants
Montresor's makes sure that there are no survants in the house so that he can kill his victim. This is definitely
forshadowing what is about to happen.
d) Mentioning of the nitre
This indicates the age of the place how it is cold and damp just like a cave would be like. However it
could have to do with Fortunato's coughing as well.
e) Insisting the Fortunato drink more and more
The fact that he makes Fortunato drink more and more is for him to be completely trapped in his own body, so
that he becomes an easier victim both physically and mentally. What worst feeling then being trapped in your
own body? Not being able to defend nor control entirely your own body? Montresor didn't want to have
competition, it was as if he was enjoying the whole show. He wanted it to last.
f) Mimicking Fortunato as he screams and cries out
It is a selfish move. Rather inhuman too. He does this to make Fortunato feel even worst and also in a way so
that he can enjoy himself knowing that he is on the right side, the winning side and that pretending would only
make things worst. It's his way of being in complete control and power over the situation.
g) Act of burying Fortunato alive: why does he commit such an act? Is it reasonable punishment for the
infraction?
The act of burying him alive is inhuman however we do not why exactly but we do know about insults previously
mentioned. However this remains un-sufficient to explain his actions. It was probably the enjoyment