Questions and Answers
What does Montresor trap Fortunato with in the recess?
What happens to Fortunato's behavior as Montresor begins to wall him in?
What is one of Fortunato's final pleas before he stops responding?
How does Montresor respond to the sound of Fortunato's bells as he completes the wall?
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What does Montresor do with the last stone after sealing Fortunato in?
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What tactic does Montresor use to entice Fortunato into following him into the vaults?
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How does Montresor feel about taking his revenge on Fortunato?
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What is significant about Fortunato's costume during the carnival?
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What does Montresor show Fortunato to convince him he is a Mason?
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What does Montresor’s family motto 'nemo me impune lacessit' mean?
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Study Notes
Revenge and Plot Setup
- Montresor seeks revenge against Fortunato for an irreparable insult.
- Desires to achieve revenge without risking his own safety.
- Utilizes Fortunato's passion for wine as a means to enact his plan.
Characters and Costumes
- Montresor wears a black silk mask during the carnival.
- Fortunato is dressed as a jester, signaled by his multicolored costume and bell-adorned cap.
- Fortunato's name translates to "fortunate," in contrast to his fate.
The Amontillado Scheme
- Montresor claims to have acquired a wine that resembles Amontillado, a prized Spanish sherry.
- Fortunato, motivated by jealousy, rejects the notion of asking rival Luchesi for assistance.
- Fortunato insists on tasting the wine, showcasing his competitive nature.
Descent into the Vaults
- Montresor has cleared his servants from the house to facilitate his plan during the carnival festivities.
- The vaults are damp, covered in nitre, causing Fortunato to cough, but he insists on continuing.
- Fortunato consumes wine to alleviate his cough, indicating his inebriated state.
Family Legacy and Identity
- Montresor reveals his family's coat of arms: a golden foot crushing a serpent, symbolizing vengeance.
- The family motto translates to "no one attacks me with impunity," reinforcing Montresor's desire for retaliation.
Masonic References
- Fortunato gestures a secret sign of the Masons, indicating his affiliation.
- Montresor feigns ignorance but claims to be a Mason, showing his cunning.
- He reveals a trowel as "proof" of his Masonry, further deceiving Fortunato.
The Crypt and Fortunato's Fate
- The pair enter a crypt adorned with human bones, creating a macabre atmosphere.
- A recess in the wall is claimed to hold the Amontillado; Fortunato, intoxicated, approaches it.
- Montresor chains Fortunato in a sudden betrayal, sealing him within the crypt.
The Final Moments
- As Montresor walls Fortunato in, he taunts him with the possibility of escape.
- Fortunato initially screams, then becomes silent and eventually pleads for mercy.
- Montresor finishes the wall, hearing only the sound of Fortunato's jingling bells, marking the end of Fortunato's life.
Conclusion and Aftermath
- Montresor reflects on the deed, stating no one has disturbed the tomb for fifty years.
- The story concludes with the phrase "May he rest in peace," emphasizing the cold nature of Montresor's revenge.
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Description
Explore the themes of revenge and irony in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado'. This quiz delves into character motivations, symbolic costumes, and the elaborate plot Montresor uses to ensnare Fortunato. Test your understanding of key elements and characters from this classic short story.
