The Most Dangerous Game and The Cask of Amontillado
Compare characters
Montresor and General Zaroff share certain qualities, yet they are different in many ways.
1. How are their actions, attitudes, and personality traits alike and/or different? Use a Venn
diagram like the one shown to record your ideas.
Zaroff
Both
Montresor
2. Zaroff and Montresor use similar strategies to attract Rainsford and Fortunato. How does each
man use a shared interest to lure and trap his “guest?”
Compare Suspense
To build tension and excitement, writers often give just enough information to make the reader
question “What will happen next?” This rising tension is called suspense. Write an evaluation of
Connell’s and Poe’s strategies for building suspense. First, compare and contrast how they use setting
and plot development. Based on your comparison, tell which author you feel is more effective in
building suspense. Support your evaluation with reasons and examples from their stories.
Compare Experiences
Imagine that Fortunato and Rainsford could discuss their experiences.
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Consider the following questions: In what ways are Fortunato and Rainsford similar? What is
different about their personalities and actions?
Consider what the two characters might have to say to one another. Then, write a dialogue
between the two characters, exploring the similarities and differences in their experiences.
Rehearse your conversation and perform it for the class.