English 9
Literary Analysis Unit
Name: _____________________________
“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
Close Reading
“Close Reading” is a way of engaging with a text to draw deeper meaning from it. As we work to analyze
literature this unit, close reading enables us to understand what the text SAYS, how the text WORKS, and what
the text MEANS. In order to accomplish this, close reading demands that we read a section of the text at least
three times.
Follow the instructions carefully – these activities will help you write an amazing final essay!
Step 1: What does the text say?
We will read through the story as a class. At the end of each page, summarize what happened in the story in
one sentence.
Page 95
Page 96
Page 97
Pages 98-99
Step 2: How does the text work?
You will read through the story a second time with a partner. As you read, you need to do two things:
1. Annotate the text.
• Underline, box, and circle ideas that you think are important or interesting.
• Draw lines between ideas that connect.
• Write question marks next to things you don’t understand.
• Jot down notes, questions, comments, and reminders in the margins.
2. Answer the text dependent questions below.
• Read and answer one question at a time, using the page numbers as cues on where to begin and end.
• For your answers, make sure you write in complete sentences and cite the story (use lines from the
text and put them in quotation marks). The first one is done for you.
Text-dependent Questions
1. Reread the first paragraph on page 95.
Why does Montresor want revenge? What
does it mean that he seeks to “punish with
impunity.”
2. On page 95, Montresor describes
Fortunato’s knowledge of different topics.
What does Montresor mean when he says,
“In painting and gemmary Fortunato, like
his countrymen, was a quack—but in the
matter of old wines, he was sincere”? How
is this important to Montresor’s plan?
Evidence-based Answers
Montresor wants revenge for Fortunato’s past insults against
him. He stated, “but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed
revenge” (95). Impunity means freedom from persecution or
harm, so Montresor wants to get away with his actions.
3. Reread page 96. At the top of column 2,
Montresor states, “You are rich, respected,
admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I
was. You are a man to be missed. For me it
is no matter.” What type of social inequity
does this show between the two men (at
least in Montresor’s eyes)? How does this
relate to Montresor’s motivation to kill
Fortunato?
4. At the bottom of page 96 and the top of
page 97, Montresor describes his family
crest. What does it look like? How does
this help Montresor justify his actions?
5. Throughout the first three pages,
Montresor keeps mentioning Luchesi. How
does this help his plan to lure Fortunato into
the catacombs?
6. Read the paragraph that starts on the
bottom of the first column on page 98 and
continues at the top of the second column.
Describe three emotions that Montresor
experiences, using evidence from the text to
explain each.
7. Read the last paragraph of the story.
Does Montresor feel any remorse? Prove
your point.
Step 3: What does the text mean?
In the next few class periods, we will be writing a five-paragraph essay comparing this story to “The Veldt.”