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The Cask of Amontillado
Edgar Allan Poe's dark tale of revenge, murder and perhaps insanity. Is Montresor justified in seeking revenge against Fortunato, or is Fortunato simply the victim of a madman's paranoia?
536 Questions
What is the pun in 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
One pun is where Fortunato reveals that he is a member of the Freemasons and Montresor says that he too is a "mason." It is a pun because he does not mean a "Freemason"; he means a mason, a craftsman who does brickwork, the kind Montresor plans to perform on Fortunato to seal him in the catacombs forever.
One pun is where Fortunato reveals that he is a member of the Freemasons and Montresor says that he too is a "mason." It is a pun because he does not mean a "Freemason"; he means a mason, a craftsman who does brickwork, the kind Montresor plans to perform on Fortunato to seal him in the catacombs forever.
Why does Montresor appear concerned about Fortunato's health in the story 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
Montresor blames the sickness in his heart on the dampness of the catacombs, which is interesting because he just entombed Fortunato behind a brick wall leaving him to die. The murder of Fortunato does not bother him, but dampness does.
When was 'The Cask of Amontillado' published?
"The Cask of Amontillado" was published in 1846 in the November issue of Godey's Lady's Book, a monthly literary magazine. It was later included in Edgar Allan Poe's collection of stories called "Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque."
Describe the mood of the scene in which Montresor first tells Fortunato about the Amontillado?
The mood in the scene is deceptive and foreboding. Montresor appears friendly and concerned for Fortunato's well-being, but there is an undercurrent of malice and manipulation as he lures Fortunato into his trap. The tension builds as Montresor leads Fortunato deeper into the catacombs, foreshadowing the dark fate that awaits him.
The Cask of Amontillado Fortunato birthday?
In "The Cask of Amontillado," Montresor seeks revenge against Fortunato for past insults. Montresor lures Fortunato into the catacombs with the promise of sampling Amontillado, a rare wine, only to trap and entomb him alive. The story explores themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the consequences of seeking vengeance.
Why did Montresor from 'The Cask of Amontillado' want to murder Fortunato?
No. To begin with it is likely that the thousand injuries and insults that Montresor says he has suffered from Fortunato were figments of his imagination. No details of them are given and Fortunato acts very friendly toward Montresor and has no fear of him even while deep down in the cellar. Fortunato does not act like a person who would have committed so many wrongs to Montresor. Even if Fortunato had insulted Montresor, insults are not reason to murder another person.
Why is it necessary that Fortunato is not completely drunk when Montresor lead him to his death?
It is necessary for Fortunato to not be completely drunk because Montresor wants him to be aware of his surroundings and understand what is happening to him. This adds to the horror and the impact of the revenge plot, as Fortunato is cognizant of his fate and the betrayal by someone he considered a friend.
Why does montresor choose a carnival evening to wreck his vengeance?
Montresor chooses a carnival evening to seek revenge on Fortunato because the chaos and revelry of the carnival provide a convenient cover for his dark intentions. The loud noise and anonymity of the revelers allow Montresor to carry out his plan without drawing attention to himself or his actions. Additionally, the spirit of festivity and merrymaking adds an ironic contrast to the sinister nature of his plot.
Is ''The Cask of Amontillado'' an effective horror story?
It all depends on how scary you think it is. I asked some people I know that actually read the story before and they said it wasn't too bad. So, in a nutshell: nope.
How does the costume of Fortunato compare to montresor?
In "A Cask of Amontillado", Monstresor and Fortunato were once friends. Both are connoisseurs of wine, this is possibly what started the friendship and perhaps was one of the reasons the friendship ended, at least on Monstresor's part. However, Fortunato is obviously a man who can be blunt enough to hurt the pride of his friend, while Monstresor is passive aggressive, concealing the malice he actually felt toward Fortunato.
Describe the catacombs that Fortunato is led through?
The catacombs that Fortunato is led through are dark, damp, and filled with the skeletal remains of the deceased. The passageways are narrow and winding, creating a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The walls are lined with alcoves holding the bones of countless individuals, creating a chilling and haunting atmosphere.
Does 'The Cask of Amontillado' story take place in France?
Probably not, although one writer, Mabbot, speculates that it does. He believes the name Montresor is French and that the extensive cellar under Montresor's house is similar to the catacombs of France. It is more likely that it occurs in Italy, because the names of both Fortunato and Luchesi are Italian and at one point, Montresor refers to his home as a "palazzo", an Italian word. Montresor refers to the fact that few Italians have the true virtuoso spirit when it comes to wines and that he himself buys many of the Italian vintages. Italy also holds various carnivals in different towns prior to Lent.
What is the flashback in 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
The entire story is a flashback. The story opens with Montresor speaking to some unnamed unknown person who knows the very nature of his soul. Montresor relates the story of how he attained revenge on Fortunato 50 years ago. Thus, the story actually occurred 50 years in the past.
The Cask of Amontillado climax?
The climax of "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe occurs when Montresor chains Fortunato to the wall and begins to wall him up alive in the catacombs. This moment marks the peak of tension and suspense in the story as Montresor carries out his sinister plan for revenge.
How did Poe's writing style contribute to the mood in The Cask of Amontillado?
Poe's writing style in "The Cask of Amontillado" contributes to the eerie and suspenseful mood through his use of vivid imagery, detailed descriptions, and a darkly ironic tone. The way he builds tension through the narrator's unreliable perspective and the sense of impending doom creates a sense of unease for the reader. Additionally, his use of foreshadowing and symbolism adds layers to the story's atmosphere of mystery and horror.
Amount by which cask or bottle falls short of being full?
The shortfall in volume of liquid in a cask or bottle is often referred to as ullage. It is the difference between the actual volume of liquid and the full capacity of the container. Ullage can occur due to evaporation, leakage, or other factors during storage or transportation.
Where is repetition used in ' The Cask of Amontillado'?
Repetition is used in "The Cask of Amontillado" in various ways, such as the repetition of Fortunato's name during Montresor's plotting and revenge, the repeated mentions of the Montresor coat of arms and family motto, and the continuous references to the Montresor family's history of revenge. These repetitions serve to build tension, highlight key themes, and emphasize the obsessive nature of Montresor's revenge.
What person made round barrels and cask out of wood?
A cooper is a skilled craftsman who makes round barrels and casks out of wood. The process involves shaping staves into a circular shape and then binding them together with hoops to create a watertight container for storing liquids such as wine, beer, or spirits.
What is an analysis of 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
The narrator, Montresor, opens the story by stating that he has been irreparably insulted by his acquaintance, Fortunato, and that he seeks revenge. He wants to exact this revenge, however, in a measured way, without placing himself at risk. He decides to use Fortunato's fondness for wine against him. During the carnival season, Montresor, wearing a mask of black silk, approaches Fortunato. He tells Fortunato that he has acquired something that could pass for Amontillado, a light Spanish sherry. Fortunato (Italian for "fortunate") wears the multicolored costume of the jester, including a cone cap with bells. Montresor tells Fortunato that if he is too busy, he will ask a man named Luchesi to taste it. Fortunato apparently considers Luchesi a competitor and claims that this man could not tell Amontillado from other types of sherry. Fortunato is anxious to taste the wine and to determine for Montresor whether or not it is truly Amontillado. Fortunato insists that they go to Montresor's vaults.
Montresor has strategically planned for this meeting by sending his servants away to the carnival. The two men descend into the damp vaults, which are covered with nitre, or saltpeter, a whitish mineral. Apparently aggravated by the nitre, Fortunato begins to cough. The narrator keeps offering to bring Fortunato back home, but Fortunato refuses. Instead, he accepts wine as the antidote to his cough. The men continue to explore the deep vaults, which are full of the dead bodies of the Montresor family. In response to the crypts, Fortunato claims to have forgotten Montresor's family coat of arms and motto. Montresor responds that his family shield portrays "a huge human foot d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel." The motto, in Latin, is "nemo me impune lacessit," that is, "no one attacks me with impunity."
Later in their journey, Fortunato makes a hand movement that is a secret sign of the Masons, an exclusive fraternal organization. Montresor does not recognize this hand signal, though he claims that he is a Mason. When Fortunato asks for proof, Montresor shows him his trowel, the implication being that Montresor is an actual stonemason. Fortunato says that he must be jesting, and the two men continue onward. The men walk into a crypt, where human bones decorate three of the four walls. The bones from the fourth wall have been thrown down on the ground. On the exposed wall is a small recess, where Montresor tells Fortunato that the Amontillado is being stored. Fortunato, now heavily intoxicated, goes to the back of the recess. Montresor then suddenly chains the slow-footed Fortunato to a stone.
Taunting Fortunato with an offer to leave, Montresor begins to wall up the entrance to this small crypt, thereby trapping Fortunato inside. Fortunato screams confusedly as Montresor builds the first layer of the wall. The alcohol soon wears off and Fortunato moans, terrified and helpless. As the layers continue to rise, though, Fortunato falls silent. Just as Montresor is about to finish, Fortunato laughs as if Montresor is playing a joke on him, but Montresor is not joking. At last, after a final plea, "For the love of God, Montresor!" Fortunato stops answering Montresor, who then twice calls out his enemy's name. After no response, Montresor claims that his heart feels sick because of the dampness of the catacombs. He fits the last stone into place and plasters the wall closed, his actions accompanied only by the jingling of Fortunato's bells. He finally repositions the bones on the fourth wall. For fifty years, he writes, no one has disturbed them. He concludes with a Latin phrase meaning "May he rest in peace."
- sparknotes.com
What is the denouement of 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
The resolution in 'The Cask of Amontillado' occurs when Montresor has finished bricking up the niche in which Fortunato is chained and leaves with the salutation "In pace resquiescat." This is where the conflict between Montresor and Fortunato is settled for good and it is clear that Montresor has achieved his plan to exact the perfect revenge on Fortunato.
What is the major theme of The Cask of Amontillado?
murdering someone is absolutely and unequivocally wrong and that revenge is a temporary fix for bigger issues within ourselves (insecurities, etc.).
Revenge is not always equal to the offense it portends to make right, particularly if the act of retribution is murder. A comparison one might draw is that of Robin Hood -- Was it okay for him to rob from the rich to give to the poor? Or is thieving always thieving just as murder is always murder, no matter what the motive?
Revenge can never lead to goodness. However, more significantly, Fortunato's fondness for wine--which can be interepreted as the deadly sin gluttony--leads him to his death. He willingly drinks the wine that kills him. Revenge and gluttony have no spiritual benefits, and in fact contribute to one's eternal downfall.
Did Fortunato deserve his fate in 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
No. First of all the "thousand injuries" and then the insult, which Montresor claims he has suffered from Fortunato probably never even happened, because Montresor gives no details of them and Fortunato is very friendly toward Montresor throughout the story. Even if Fortunato had insulted Montresor, that would be be no reason justifying Fortunato's murder.
Why are Montresor's family motto and coat of arms important?
Montresor's family motto and coat of arms are important in "The Cask of Amontillado" as symbols of his family's heritage and pride. These symbols reflect Montresor's sense of identity and belonging to his noble lineage, motivating his desire for revenge against Fortunato for perceived insults. Additionally, the motto "Nemo me impune lacessit" (“No one assails me with impunity”) foreshadows Montresor's determination to seek vengeance without fear of consequences.
What is the analytical setting of 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
The setting is unspecified both as to date and place. It is likely that it occurs in Italy, because the names of both Fortunato and Luchesi are Italian and at one point, Montresor refers to his home as a "palazzo", an Italian word. Itally also holds various carnivals in different towns prior to Lent. Some writers speculate that it is in France based on the catacomb-like cellar under the Montresor home. As to the date, it is possible that it is sometime near the turn of the 18th century, only because Montresor is recounting events that occurred 50 years ago. Since the story itself was published in 1846, going back 50 years would put the time at sometime in the 1790s.
What narrative techniques are used in 'The Cask of Amontillado'?
The hook is knowing that Montresor plans on exacting the perfect revenge on Fortunato and reading further to see if he actually does it. Montresor states in the opening that a wrong is not avenged unless the avenger is not caught and that the person who committed the offense must know he is now paying for that offense. The reader gets hooked into continuing into the story to see if Montresor will actually commit the perfect crime and how he will do it.
