The Cask of Amontillado

Table of Contents1. Edgar Allan Poe Biography2. Vocabulary Notes3. Historical Background of story4. Abstract/ Concrete Nouns5. Comprehension Questions6. Coat of Arms

1. Edgar Allan Poe Biography Worksheet

VIDEO

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2. Vocabulary Notes

Vocabulary Notes1. Amontillado: a pale, dry sherry.

2. Impunity: freedom from consequences.

3. Immolation: destruction

4. Connoisseurship: expert judgment.

5. Virtuoso: masterly skilled in a particular field.

Vocabulary Notes6. Motley: a clown’s multi-colored costume.

7. pipe: large barrel, holding approximately 126 gallons.

8. roquelaure: knee- length quote

9. puncheons: large barrels

10. masons: the Freemasons, an international secret socety.

3. Historical Background

Historical BackgroundHave you ever been to a carnival? I do not mean the kind of carnival with carousels and cotton candy. The kind of carnival I am talking about started in Italy more than a thousand years ago. These carnivals were days of feasting that led up to religious observances and fasting. In Rome and Venice, people would put on masks and dance down the street, moving vigorously to the lively music while dressed in strange and colorful costumes.

Historical BackgroundThe carnival tradition soon spread throughout Europe. French colonists who settled in America brought these customs with them. Today, the largest and most famous carnival in the United States is the colossal Mardi Gras celebration held every year in New Orleans.

Historical BackgroundThe first New Orleans Mardi Gras was an immediate success. A spectacular parade has been held just about every year since, without interruption. Each year, tourists flock from all over the country to view amazing floats and listen to lively marching bands. Men and women in fantastic costumes balance on the highest tier of multi-level floats and shower the crowd below with colorful beads and trinkets. It is truly a sight to see!

Historical BackgroundIf you prefer quiet celebrations, however, you had better stay away. The noise level at Mardi Gras can be excessive. The succession of floats, bands, and marchers seems to go on and on. The crowds that line the parade route tend to get a little rowdy. The police are always ready to step in at the first indication of trouble, however.

Historical BackgroundAfter the parade, the party continues at fancy costume balls decorated in the official colors of the carnival: purple, which stands for justice; green, which stands for faith; and gold, which stands for power. While most tourists think of Mardi Gras as just an excuse to enjoy a party, some local people continue to honor the customs and traditions that reflect the carnival’s ancient origins as a religious festival. Either way, everyone has a good time at Mardi Gras.

Historical Background1. What country did Carnival start in? ______________________________2. Carnival started as what kind of observance?______________________3. Who brought Carnival to America?______________________________4. What is the name of the most famous Carnival in America?_____________________________5. Mardi Gras consists of people watching parades with ____________ and lively _______________.6. Sometimes, crowds at Mardi Gras require ________________.7. What does the color purple stand for?___________________8. What does the color green stand for?____________________9. What does the color gold stand for?_____________________

Abstract and Concrete NounsComplete worksheet in packet.

Comprehension Questions1.Did the narrarator let his victim (Fortunato) know he was out to get him?Quote a line from the story to prove your answer. 2.What was Fortunato’s weakness?3.When and where did the story take place?4.What costume was the narrator wearing?5.Where is our narrator taking Fortunato?6.How does he get Fortunato to go there?7.What do you think the narrator (Montresor) will do with the trowel?8.What did Montresor do to Fortunato first?9.What did he eventually do to Fortunato to complete his revenge?10. Why did Fortunato start to laugh?11.Did Montresor accomplish his revenge?12.Did he get away with it? How do you know?13.What was Fortunato wearing?14.Why would carnival time be a good time to carry out this act of revenge?15.Did Montresor get the perfect revenge?

Coat of Arms Activity When Fortunato says to the narrator, “I forget your arms,” he is referring to the Montresor family’s coat of arms. A coat of arms is a group of symbols and figures drawn on a shield. It serves as the special sign, or insignia, of a person or family.

Coat of Arms Activity During the Middle Ages, coats of arms were originally worn on a knight’s armor to proclaim his loyalty to his lord. Later, they were adopted by noble families throughout Europe. The origins, history, and rules governing coats of arms come under the study of heraldry, which goes back to the 12th century.

Coat of Arms Activity Heraldry is a complex system that has a specialized vocabulary. Montresor’s coat of arms, for example, includes a “foot d’or,” or “golden foot,” in a “field azure,” which means on a sky-blue background. The “serpent rampant” is a snake standing up, as if on hind legs. The motto is written in Latin at the base of the coat of arms. In Montresor’s coat of arms, the motto is, appropriately, “No one attacks me with impunity.”

Coat of Arms Activity Design your own family coat of arms.Include four symbols and four figures that suggest something about your family’s interests and background. Be sure to include a motto. If you prefer, you can design a coat of arms for yourself– not for your family.

Rubric (5 points each):1. 4 symbols ______2. 4 figures _______3. 1 motto______4. Colorful and creative______

Staple all items to your packet and turn in. This will count as a test grade!