The Cask of Amontillado

“The Cask of Amontillado”

• Genre: Fiction; short story; Gothic horror
• Originally Published: 1846
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1100-1300L; grades 9-12
• Structure/Length: Approx. 6-8 pages; approx. 30 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: Montresor, the narrator, tells the audience that he has been planning revenge on his acquaintance Fortunato, who has apparently insulted Montresor in some way. Montresor sees an opportunity when Fortunato has been drinking heavily and lures him into a catacomb to put his plan into action.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Sadistic violence; death; racism (protagonist’s black mask may allude to racist tropes of darkness and evil)

Edgar Allan Poe, Author

• Bio: 1809-1849; American writer known for his dark and macabre tales; faced tragedy early in life, losing both parents by the age of three; his famous works, such as “The Raven” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” often explored themes of death, madness, and the human psyche; pioneered the genres of horror and detective fiction, leaving a lasting impact on literature before his untimely death at age 40
• Other Works: “The Fall of the House of Usher” (1839); “The Pit and the Pendulum” (1842); “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843); “The Raven” (1845)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• A Vow of Revenge
• Deception and Devious Calculation
• Death and Morbidity

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the cultural and psychological contexts regarding revenge and betrayal that drive the central themes of “The Cask of Amontillado.”
• Analyze the meaning of the text through prompts and activities that connect to the text’s themes of Revenge, Deception and Devious Calculation, and Death, as well as betrayal and pride.
•  Analyze and interpret the symbolism and irony Poe uses to develop the theme of Revenge and the destructive nature of obsession.
• Evaluate the plot and character details, as well as themes, motifs, and other literary devices, to draw conclusions in structured essay responses.