Question

In Edgar Allan Poe's story 'The Cask of Amontillado,' the narrator provides insights into Fortunato's character. What is one thing we are directly told about Fortunato by the narrator, and what does it reveal about his character?

A) We are told that Fortunato is a wine connoisseur, which reveals his passion for fine wines.
B) We are told that Fortunato is from a wealthy family, which suggests his social status.
C) We are told that Fortunato is very trusting, which indicates his naivety.
D) We are told that Fortunato has a dark secret, which hints at his mysterious nature.

Answer 1

In 'The Cask of Amontillado,' we are directly told that Fortunato is a wine connoisseur, highlighting his passion for fine wines and setting the stage for his eventual doom.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado,' the narrator directly tells us about Fortunato's character through his passion for fine wines. We are told that Fortunato is a wine connoisseur, which not only reveals his deep interest and passion for wine but also serves as a critical plot point that the narrator exploits for his scheme. The exact quote from the text referring to Fortunato's character states: 'He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine'. It suggests that Fortunato's expertise in wine is genuine, contrasting him with others who may feign knowledge for prestige or gain. This aspect of his character also leads him into the precarious situation concocted by the narrator, Montresor, and his trust in his own judgment ultimately contributes to his downfall.