The Cask Of Amontillado CommonLit Answers

11th Grade

Lexile: 800

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Assessment Answers

Question	Answer
Q.1. Which of the following sayings best describes a theme of the text?	The desire for revenge can be all-consuming.
Q.2. How does the description of the Montresor coat of arms and motto in paragraphs 46-49 contribute to the reader’s understanding of Montresor’s character?	It helps the reader understand Montresor’s pride, as well as how he responds to insults.
Q.3. What does the following line suggest about the narrator’s point of view? “My heart grew sick; it was the dampness of the catacombs that made it so.” (Paragraph 89)	The statement suggests emotional turmoil or a moment of remorse.
Q.4. How do carnival traditions add to the mood of the story?	The wild parties, masks, and hidden faces create a mood of secrecy and unease.
Q.5. How does the characterization of Fortunato affect the plot of the story?	Fortunato’s pride drives him to prove he is a better judge of wine than Luchresi.
Q.6. How does the setting of “The Cask of Amontillado” affect the impact of the story as a whole?	The story is set largely in catacombs underneath Montresor’s home in Italy. The setting contributes significantly to the horror of the story. It is dark, cold, and damp in the catacombs. Because catacombs are burial vaults, Montresor and Fortunato pass by piles of bones, the remains of dead bodies. The setting impacts the plot by the use of morbid imagery and tone as well as the demeanor of the characters. The mood of the story is one of impending doom and suspense. The setting impacts the mood with the dark imagery and morbid symbolism used throughout.

Discussion Answers

Why do you think Montresor tells his audience this story? Can you trust the Montresor as the narrator? Why or why not? Consider the moments when Montresor addresses his audience.

Answer: Montresor shares his story as a form of confession about the heinous crime he committed against Fortunato. His narrative serves as an admission to a priest regarding the murder.

However, Montresor’s reliability as a narrator is questionable due to his evident bias against Fortunato. This bias taints his perspective throughout the tale, obscuring the true nature of their relationship and the events that unfolded.

As a result, the audience is left with an incomplete and potentially distorted understanding of the actual events.

Question	Answer
Q.2. At first, Fortunato hesitates to follow Montresor into the vaults. Why do you think Poe included this detail?	Poe highlights Fortunato’s hesitance to enter the vaults to underscore his respiratory weakness, with the foul air in the tombs posing a significant health risk. This element foreshadows the distress and isolation Fortunato might experience, trapped and struggling to breathe.
Q.3. Fortunato is dressed as a fool. He is also very concerned about the Amontillado and doesn’t want Montresor to call upon Luchesi’s expertise. What is the significance of these details?	Fortunato’s attire as a fool symbolizes his lack of awareness of the danger he is in, blinded by his desire to outdo Luchresi. This, combined with his obsession over the Amontillado, renders him oblivious to Montresor’s malicious intentions. Montresor’s lack of peaceful conflict resolution and Fortunato’s ignorance of the peril he faces are central to the narrative.
Q.4. Montresor claims to be concerned for Fortunato’s health. Why might Montresor do this?	Montresor feigns concern for Fortunato’s health as a tactic to foster a false sense of trust and camaraderie. This deception is crucial for Montresor’s plot, allowing him to get close to Fortunato without arousing suspicion, thus facilitating his nefarious plan.
Q.5. In the context of this story, was Montresor’s revenge justified?	Revenge, as a concept, is often seen as an irrational and unnecessary response driven by emotion. It can lead to avoidable damage and negative outcomes. In this context, Montresor’s revenge is not justified, reflecting the broader perspective that revenge typically exacerbates situations rather than resolving them.
Q.6. Based on his essay “Of Revenge,” would Sir Francis Bacon agree with Montresor?	Sir Francis Bacon might concur with Montresor’s notion that unavenged wrongs persist. However, Bacon’s stance in “Of Revenge” that seeking revenge is inherently wrong aligns with the idea that retribution often exacerbates harm. Bacon would likely caution against revenge, advocating for consideration of its repercussions, as it can lead to more harm and unresolved issues.