The Cask of Amontillado

Reading Check

1. In the opening sentence, Montresor says that an insult from Fortunato motivated him to seek revenge. (Paragraph 1)

2. The story primarily takes place in the catacombs below Montresor’s home. (Paragraph 25)

3. Fortunato has been drinking excessively in carnival celebrations, making him easy for Montresor to manipulate. (Paragraph 4)

4. Montresor says he has purchased a rare cask of Amontillado wine, stored in the catacombs, and says he could use Fortunato’s help in affirming that it really is Amontillado. (Paragraph 3)

5. Montresor chains Fortunato in a small recess in the catacomb, builds a wall to seal him in, and leaves him there to die. (Paragraph 71-end)

6. The prevailing mood is one of foreboding, suspense, and darkness. (Various paragraphs)

Short Answer

1. Examples of verbal irony include Fortunato’s name, suggesting good fortune although he meets a tragic end, and the double meaning of mason—Fortunato is a Freemason, while Montresor plans to build a literal wall. The irony contributes to the mood of horror because the humor contrasts so sharply with Montresor’s evil plan. (Paragraphs 54-66)

2. “The Cask of Amontillado” symbolizes both the object of desire that lures Fortunato to his demise and the hidden revenge contained within the story’s events. (Various paragraphs)

3. Montresor’s obsession with revenge, his cunning nature, and his deceptive charm drive his meticulously planned act of murder.