Question

In Edgar Allen Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado,” the narrator, Montresor, vows to exact revenge on Fortunato for an unspecified insult. With that in mind, he lures Fortunato into the dank catacombs beneath his palazzo. Read the following excerpt.

“These vaults,” [Fortunato] said, “are extensive.”


“The Montresors,” I replied, “were a great and numerous family.”


“I forget your [coat of] arms.”


“A huge human foot of gold, in a field of azure; the foot crushes a serpent … whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.”


“And the motto?”


“Nemo me impune lacessit.” [Nobody provokes me without punishment.]


What do these lines of dialogue accomplish?

A.
They build tension by revealing Montresor’s plan to Fortunato.
B.
They reveal facts about Fortunato that propel the action of the story.
C.
They provide insight into the character traits that drive Fortunato.
D.
They hint at Montresor’s motive for luring Fortunato into the catacombs.

Answer 1

I think that the answer is A.

If thats wrong then its D.

Answer 2

D. They hint at Montresor’s motive for luring Fortunato into the catacombs.

Step-by-step explanation:

These lines of dialogue are essential to the development of the story. We know that Montresor wants to take revenge on Fortunato, and we know that this is the reason why they are both at the catacombs. However, we do not know what it is that prompted this desire for revenge. By explaining how his family's motto is "nobody provokes me without punishment," we learn that Montresor's motive is most likely to punish Fortunato for provoking him.