Name: ____________________
Date: __________
Hour: _____
“The Cask of Amontillado”
Edgar Allan Poe
Pg. 344-351
Pre-reading Activity
DIRECTIONS: Complete the notes below by filling in the blanks as we review the Prezi.
Carnival Notes:

Carnival is a __________________ but it evolved from the Catholic observance of ____________.
The word CARNIVAL literally means ____________ (CARN) + ____________ (VAL).

Carnival evolved out of the anticipation of the __________________ of Lent.

During __________________, participants engage in excessive and extreme behavior in order to
literally say __________________ to both meat and __________________.

__________________ on both food and __________________ is common during Carnival.

The combination of costumes, partying, and alcohol make an atmosphere in which people
tend to let go of their __________________.
Lent Notes:

Lent is a ____ - day ____________ that takes place before Easter.

Traditionally, fasting during Lent involves not eating ____________.

Today, there are multiple __________________ of fasting during Lent.
Reading Activity
DIRECTIONS: Respond to the following questions in complete sentences as you read “The
Cask of Amontillado.”
1. Why does the narrator, Montresor, want revenge against Fortunato?
2. What does the narrator mean when he says that he “must not only punish, but punish
with impunity?”
3. How does the narrator feel about Fortunato? How does he act around him? What
does this contrast suggest?
4. Why are there no servants in Montresor’s home?
5. Where does the narrator lead Fortunato?
6. Why is Fortunato’s “gait… unsteady?”
7. As he walks in the catacombs, Fortunato says, “I shall not die of a cough.” What is
ironic about this statement?
8. How does the change in setting contribute to the mood of the story?
9. Notice Poe’s use of formal language in the dialogue between Montresor and
Fortunato. What does the use of this type of language tell you about their relationship?
10. Describe what Montresor does with Fortunato.
11. Why does Montresor claim that his “heart grew sick?” Do you accept his explanation?
Why or why not?
12. Does Montresor get away with his crime? How do you know?