The Cask of Amontillado Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Amontillado?

A type of wine.

Why did Montresor seek revenge on Fortunato?

Fortunato was mocking Montresor and discrediting him.

How did Montresor know the house would be empty?

He gave them specific orders not to leave but he knew they would leave anyways.

Explain the significance of Montresor's statement about vengeance.

It states all of his intentions and what he wants to do and why he sees it right. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the catacombs that Fortunato is led through.

Dark, gloomy, damp, death, and old. Signup and view all the answers

Where and when is the story set?

Italy during carnival (before Lent). Signup and view all the answers

Why does Montresor make sure Fortunato has drunk a lot of wine?

So Fortunato doesn't realize what is happening. Signup and view all the answers

What is Luchesi's role in the story?

To get Fortunato into the catacombs. Signup and view all the answers

What preparations had Montresor made for his revenge?

Got him drunk and made sure no witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Montresor appear concerned about Fortunato's health?

To show Fortunato sympathy so he doesn't get suspicious. Signup and view all the answers

How does Montresor's family coat of arms serve as foreshadowing in the story?

The foot is Montresor killing the snake who is Fortunato; the snake's fang was him pleading. Signup and view all the answers

How does not knowing what Fortunato did to Montresor intensify the horror of this story?

We didn't know if the killing was fair. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of Montresor's statement: 'You are a man to be missed.'

Montresor is going to miss him even though he killed him. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think Montresor's crime will ever be discovered? Why or why not?

No. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Fortunato's name ironic in 'The Cask of Amontillado'?

Because he wasn't fortunate. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Fortunato's 'weak point' play in the narrator's revenge?

It allows him to follow through with his plan. Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of foreshadowing in the story.

Fortunato saying he won't die of a cough. Signup and view all the answers

How does the reader know Fortunato is drunk?

He had no reaction to being changed and he hogged the wine. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'what goes around comes around' signify in this context?

Fortunato was being mean and he died (Revenge). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amontillado

Amontillado is a type of sherry wine, central to the plot's deception.

Motivation for Revenge

Montresor seeks revenge against Fortunato because Fortunato mocks and undermines his reputation.

House Availability

Montresor anticipated the house would be empty by instructing servants to stay, knowing they would leave during the carnival.

Montresor’s Intentions

Montresor's statement reflects his calculated desire for revenge without facing consequences, emphasizing his need for both punishment and recognition.

Catacombs Description

The catacombs are described as dark, damp, and gloomy, symbolizing death and decay, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.

Setting

The story is set in Italy during the carnival season, a time of revelry before the solemnity of Lent, adding to the tension.

Fortunato’s Intoxication

Montresor ensures Fortunato consumes a lot of wine to keep him unaware of the impending danger.

Role of Luchesi

Luchesi serves as a manipulative tool, drawing Fortunato into the catacombs under the pretense of wine expertise, escalating Montresor's scheme.

Preparations for Revenge

Montresor's meticulous planning includes getting Fortunato drunk and ensuring no witnesses are around, facilitating his revenge.

Concern for Fortunato's Health

Montresor pretends to care for Fortunato’s health to avoid raising suspicion, masking his malicious intentions.

Family Coat of Arms

The coat of arms symbolizes Montresor's power over Fortunato; the foot crushing the serpent foreshadows Montresor's victory over his foe.

Ambiguity of Wrongdoing

The absence of clarity regarding Fortunato’s offense against Montresor intensifies the story's horror, leaving readers questioning the fairness of revenge.

Ironic Farewell

Montresor's remark about missing Fortunato highlights his complex feelings; he feigns sympathy while executing his planned murder.

Potential Discovery of Crime

Montresor believes his crime will remain undiscovered due to the meticulous execution and secrecy surrounding the act.

Irony of Fortunato's Name

Fortunato's name, meaning "fortunate," is ironic as he ultimately faces a tragic fate.

Fortunato's Weakness

Fortunato’s arrogance and overconfidence contribute to Montresor's successful revenge, making him an easy target.

Foreshadowing Elements

Fortunato's careless remark about his cough serves as foreshadowing, hinting at his eventual demise.

Signs of Fortunato’s Intoxication

Fortunato displays signs of drunkenness through his carefree behavior, including a lack of concern for his surroundings and a tendency to indulge excessively.

Theme of Retribution

The narrative embodies the idea of "what goes around comes around," emphasizing that Fortunato's cruel actions lead to his own downfall.

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Description

Explore key concepts and vocabulary from Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, 'The Cask of Amontillado'. This quiz helps reinforce understanding of the characters, themes, and significant quotes, enhancing your comprehension of the story. Perfect for students aiming to deepen their analysis of Poe's work.