Name_______________________
Period_______________
Short Story
Unit
Point of View
Homework Packet
Use complete sentences
 Use precise language
 Eliminate all taboos
 Provide textual evidence
Cite rhetorical devices (literary elements and poetic devices)
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Study Guide for “The Cask of Amontillado” 1846
I. VOCABULARY: Be able to define the following words and understand them when they
appear in the story.
catacombs_____________________________________________________________________
virtuoso_______________________________________________________________________
impunity______________________________________________________________________
fettered_______________________________________________________________________
connoisseur____________________________________________________________________
gait___________________________________________________________________________
precluded______________________________________________________________________
retribution_____________________________________________________________________
afflicted_______________________________________________________________________
explicit________________________________________________________________________
II. LITERARY TERMS: Be able to define each term and apply each term to the story.
1. What is the mood of the story? (three differing adjectives and an explanation).
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2. What is situational irony? Cite an example from the story and explain why it is this type of irony.
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3. What is dramatic irony? Cite an example from the story and explain why it is this type of irony.
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4. What is verbal irony?
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5. Cite two pieces of rhetoric (poetic devices or literary elements) the author uses to create mood?
Example: _____________________________________________________________________
Example: _____________________________________________________________________
6. Cite two grotesque elements in the story?
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7. Cite two arabesque elements in the story?
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8. Which element of horror, grotesque or arabesque, do you find more frightening in this story? Why?
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9. From what point of view is the story told?
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Example:______________________________________________________________________
10. What effect does this point of view have on the story?
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11. What is the abstract noun that best defines this story? Cite a defining quote that reveals your choice.
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12. What is the theme of the story?
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13. What does the revelation of this point of view do to the message of the story or to the narrator’s
credibility?
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14. Change this sentence to the various points of view: I love homework. (you’ll have to add text so use your
imagination)
First person _________________________________________________________________________
Second person _______________________________________________________________________
Third person objective _________________________________________________________________
Third person limited ___________________________________________________________________
Third person omniscient _______________________________________________________________
III. QUESTIONS: Answer the following questions.
1. What is the meaning of the phrase “A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser”?
2. Why does Montresor seek revenge on Fortunato?
3. How does Montresor ensure that the servants would flee the house?
4. Montresor uses stone and mortar to close up the niche; where does he hide those items?
5. In your own words, describe the catacombs that Fortunato is led through.
6. Where and when is the story set? Give reasons for your answer.
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7. Why does Montresor make sure Fortunato drinks a great amount of wine?
8. What is Luchesi’s role in the story?
9. What preparations does Montressor make for his revenge?
10. Why does Montresor appear concerned about Fortunato’s health?
11. Describe Fortunato’s character.
Period 1: "My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day ! But I
have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts."
.
Period 4: "…the cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough."
Say
TLQ:
Mean
This means that….
(stay in the quote – dig)
Matter
This matters because….
(how does this idea relate to the
entire story?. How do poetic devices
create this idea?)
Quote
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“The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant” Questions
by W. D. Wetherell
1983
1. From what chronological time frame is the story told?
2. What is the point of view specifically?
3. Why does the author chose to tell the story from this perspective?
4. What insights does this perspective offer? Please cite a specific passage from the story that is
conveyed by this POV.
5. How long has it been since the author lived this experience? What effect does the passage of time
have on your understanding and appreciation of the events?
6. What is the author's tone in this story? Select three adjective and provide three direct quotes (cited)
from the text.
7. What is the mood? Select three adjective and provide three direct quotes (cited) from the text.
8. What is the theme of the story?
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10. Using the form below, complete the Say/Mean/Matter. For this Say/Mean/Matter, select your own
quote from the story that supports your theme (#9 above). It may be one to two lines. Make sure you
cite the quote.
Say
TLQ:
Mean
This means that….
(stay in the quote – dig)
Matter
This matters because….
(how does this idea relate to the
entire story?. How do poetic devices
create this idea?)
Quote
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The Sniper
by Liam O’Flaherty’s
1923
1. What time of day is the story set?
2. What side is the protagonist on?
3. What risk does the sniper decide to take?
4. What happens to the sniper?
5. Describe the sniper’s trick to kill the other sniper.
6. How does the sniper feel about war after he kills the other sniper?
7. Who is the dead sniper?
8. What point of view is the story told from? Provide a piece of text (cited) that shows this point of view.
9. How does this point of view enriches the story? What does it add to the theme?
10. How might the story appear different if the story was told from third person omniscient?
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“A&P”
By John Updike
(1961)
1. How old is Sammy?
2. How would you describe the voice or tone Updike gives to Sammy?
3. Provide two direct quotes that give clues to Sammy’s age.
4. What point of view is the story told from? Provide a piece of text (cited) that shows this point of view
5. How do you feel this point of view enriches the story? Why do you think the author uses it?
6. As Sammy tells his story, do you believe he is an objective narrator? Provide evidence of his bias or lack of
bias.
7. What do you believe is the theme of the work?
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