Group #1:
THEME -
A unifying or dominant idea, the subject of discussion, mediation or
composition.
Key Question:
What is the meaning of“No one attacks me with impunity?” Impunity – freedom from
consequences.
Discuss:
Pick out all of the themes presented by Edgar Alan Poe in The Cask of Amontillado. Discuss
each theme you find as a group to determine the overarching theme, as well as sub themes.
Determine the meaning of the key question, and the message that Poe may be sending with
this phrase. For the rest of your class, pose a question that will make them think about
their personal lives, that relates to one of the themes that you find within your group.
Group #2:
IRONY -
The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal
meaning. A technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention
or attitude opposite to that which is actually or directly stated.
Key Question:
Why might Fortunato's name be ironic?
Discuss:
Discuss the instances of dramatic and verbal irony that we see in the Cask of Amontillado.
Write down sentences that you find in the text that may constitute as irony. For the rest
of your class, describe a current social or political situation that may seem ironic to
you and your group.
Group # 3:
Character Traits and Development:
What are the characteristics of the
characters, and how and why does the author present them as they do.
Key Question:
What kind of person do you think Montresor is?
Discuss:
Discuss each of the major characters in Poe's story, including but not limited to,
Montresor, Fortunato, and the Narrator of the story. Describe any of the traits you see
each of them possessing, and discuss how those character traits determine the way the
story plays out. What is it about each of the characters that makes the story flow like
Poe wants it to? Discuss how Fortunato's personality may allow Montresor to enact this
revenge upon him. Discuss how the Narrator contributes or doesn't contribute to the story.
For the rest of your class, come up with a prediction about the “wrong” that Fortunato
must have done to upset Montresor so much, and share with everyone.
Group # 4
MOOD:
A particular style or manner, the state or quality of feeling.
Key Question:
In your own words, describe the catacombs that Fortunato is led through. What might the
catacombs describe about the mood of the story?
Discuss:
Discuss with your groups the mood and tone of this story. Discuss the descriptive words
and phrases Poe uses to convey the mood/tone that he is looking for. Describe how the mood
and tone of the story makes you feel, and whether or not your feelings might be contrary
or in agreement with Poe's goals for his audience. For the rest of your class, come up
with five key words that describe the tone/mood of the story, and think of a place in the
real world where that tone/mood may also be reflected.
Group # 5
POINT OF VIEW:
a specified or stated manner of consideration or appraisal;
standpoint. An opinion, attitude or judgement.
Key Question:
Do you think that Montresor was justified in his actions toward Fortunato?
Discuss:
In your group discuss the different points of view within the main characters of the
story. What is Montresor feeling/thinking toward Fortunato? What might Fortunato be
feeling/thinking? Do you think Fortunato might know, deep down, what Montresor is doing?
Is Fortunato just wondering if Montresor is trying to “bury the hatchet”? Discuss the
characters points of view, and then discuss what your point of view is toward the messages
in this story. Talk about whether or not you believe the messages in this story to be
good, or bad, and defend your answer. For the rest of your class, provide an example of
what Fortunato might be thinking/feeling while he is sitting alone in his tomb.