Question

Think about The Cask of Amontillado, write brief responses to the following questions. You will need to use very specific examples and quotes from the to support your answers.

1. How would you describe the characters of Montresor and Fortunato? What are their personalities like? How do you know?
2. How does Poe describe the time and place in which the story occurs? What descriptions or specific words and phrases does he use to create a clear picture for the readers? How does his use of figurative language help with this?
3. What is one of the main themes or messages of the story? How is that message communicated to readers?

Answer 1

In 'The Cask of Amontillado,' Montresor is vengeful and calculating, Fortunato is prideful, the setting is dark and claustrophobic, and the theme is the lethal pursuit of revenge as expressed through the detailed plotting of Montresor.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado, the characters of Montresor and Fortunato are depicted with intricate detail, showcasing unique personalities shaped by narrative and dialogue. Montresor, the protagonist, is portrayed as calculating and vengeful, substantiated by quotes like "At length I would be avenged", displaying his determination for revenge without risk. Fortunato, on the other hand, is depicted as proud, especially concerning his knowledge of wines, which eventually leads to his downfall.

The setting of the story is vividly described; Poe uses words and phrases like "the damp catacombs of the Montresors" to create a somber and claustrophobic atmosphere, which is enhanced by figurative language. This descriptive richness contributes to the story's eerie mood, encapsulating the reader in the same gloomy world as the characters.

One of the main themes of The Cask of Amontillado is revenge. Poe conveys this through the intricate planning and plotting of Montresor, climaxing in the literal and figurative entombment of Fortunato. The message of the inexorable and consuming nature of vengeance is communicated through this act of malicious retribution.