The Cask of Amontillado

“You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that I gave utterance to a threat.”

What does the underlined phrase imply about the person to whom Montresor is speaking?

• This person knows Montresor (the narrator) well.

• This person knows Fortunato well.

• This person has heard this story before.

• This person has no personal connection to the story.

"At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitively settled—but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved, precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong."

Montresor (the narrator) uses the word "avenger" to

• himself

• Fortunato

Which THREE sentences from this excerpt MOST clearly suggest that Montresor (the narrator) is keeping his plans for revenge secret from Fortunato?

• It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.

• It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will.

• I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation.

• THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge.

• You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that I gave utterance to a threat.

Which TWO sentences from this paragraph suggest that Fortunato is an expert on fine wine?

• He had a weak point—this Fortunato—although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared.

• He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine

• Few Italians have the true virtuoso spirit.

• For the most part their enthusiasm is adopted to suit the time and opportunity—to practise imposture upon the British and Austrian millionaires.

• In painting and gemmary, Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack—but in the matter of old wines he was sincere.

What would most likely be MISSING if the story were written from Fortunato’s point of view?

• The reader would not know that Montresor was angry with Fortunato.

• The reader would not know how Fortunato feels about Montresor.

• The reader would not know how Fortunato feels about Luchesi.

• The reader would not know that the story is set during the carnival season.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

In a staged version of "The Cask of Amontillado," which tone of voice should an actor use to represent the narrator's feelings toward Fortunato?

• Admiring

• Disgusted

• Peaceful

• Embarrassed

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

A student is writing a paragraph arguing that Montresor (the narrator) uses flattery to trick Fortunato into coming home with him. Which of the following excerpts from the story is NOT a good example to include in this paragraph?

• "My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day!” (5)

• "I have my doubts," I replied; "and I was silly enough to pay the full Amontillado price without consulting you in the matter.” (7)

• "As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If any one has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me—" (13)

• "And yet some fools will have it that his taste is a match for your own." (15)

Reread this excerpt from paragraph 77:

"A succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to thrust me violently back. For a brief moment I hesitated—I trembled. Unsheathing my rapier, I began to grope with it about the recess: but the thought of an instant reassured me. I placed my hand upon the solid fabric of the catacombs, and felt satisfied."

In a movie about the story, which two expressions or gestures could an actor make to BEST emphasize Montresor’s emotions in this moment?

• First: Eyes rolling with annoyance

  Later: Fist shaking threateningly

• First: Eyebrows frowning in confusion

  Later: A sigh of relief

• First: A chuckle of embarrassment

  Later: A gasp of recognition

• First: Eyes wide with terror

  Later: A small grin of satisfaction

Read these sentences from paragraph 77:

“I replied to the yells of him who clamored. I re-echoed—I aided—I surpassed them in volume and in strength. I did this, and the clamorer grew still.”

What does the word "replied" mean in this context?

• Montresor spoke to Fortunato.

• Montresor asked Fortunato a question.

• Montresor yelled back at Fortunato.

• Montresor looked around to find where the yells were coming from.

Which can be inferred about Montresor’s feelings as he imprisons Fortunato?

• He feels sickened by what he is doing.

• He enjoys imagining that Fortunato is suffering.

• He feels proud because he is living up to the words of his family motto.

• He feels afraid that his actions will be discovered.