image found at http://www.audiorealms.com/amontillado.html.

"The Cask of Amontillado" (1846)

by Edgar Allan Poe

 

Vocabulary - define the following words AND explain why they are relevant to this story. Consider the context in which words have been used when settling on a definition. (20 words, 21 definitions)

immolation, redress, retribution, impunity, virtuoso, quack, pipe (remember the context in which it has been used), nitre*, roquelaire, flambeau(x), medoc, gesticulation, mason (2 definitions), trowel, catacombs, ignoramus, fettered, amontillado, cask, sherry,

  1. Read the opening paragraph again (and again if necessary).What message is Poe getting across here? Why is it important in the telling of this story?
  2. Why does Montresor want to kill Fortunato?
  3. What / who is Luchesi? What is the function of Luchesi in the story?
  4. Why is Fortunato tempted to go inspect the Amontillado?
  5. Recreate the coat of arms of the Montresor family. Why is this an important symbol in the story?
  6. What does "Nemo me impune lacessit*"" mean? Why is this relevant to the story?
  7. What does "In pace requiescat* " mean? Why is this significant?
  8. By the end of the story, what has happened to Fortunato?
  9. What literary devices does the author use to help get his message across? Explain. (NOTE: There is more than one device, so I expect more than one offering and explanation.)
  10. Will Montresor get away with this heinous act? Support your answer.
  11. What is it about Poe's work that is considered scary? Consider the nature of the characters involved and the events that led up to the events of this story when answering.
  12. Edgar Allan Poe is often called the "master of the macabre". Is this an accurate title? Research some of his other famous works to support your conclusions. Include the title of the works and a brief synopsis.
    13.

BACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Prokopiw, our venerable Chemistry teacher at Horton, had the following to say about nitre:

It is potassium nitrate. We have some in our stock room. Burns with a violet flame.
When inhaled, it can irritate the nose and throat causing sneezing and coughing.
In high, very high, levels it can cause dizziness and bluing of skin and lips as it somehow interferes with the ability of blood carrying oxygen in our body.

I feel that it is also very soluble in water and I guess, damp humid air.
I very very high levels, it would kill you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When put to the test, Ms. Balfour, our dynamic English 11 and Latin teacher, responded with the following:

"... It means 'May he/she/it rest in peace'. The verb is in the Horative Subjunctive mood. Yikes!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years of working with this story has taught Mr. Bennett that this phrase translates to "No one assails me with impunity"