“The Cask of Amontillado”

by Edgar Allan Poe

Language Arts 8

Edgar Allan Poe January 19, 1809-October 7,

1849 • Born in Boston, Mass.• One of three children• Parents separated, mom died when he

was two, & Edgar went to live with Mr. & Mrs. John Allan—a successful merchant

• Went school in England for a few years, then returned to America & attended the University of Virginia in 1826

• Lived in Boston, Richmond, Philadelphia, Baltimore & NYC

• Was a struggling writer (and a drunk!) for most of his adult life

• A number of his homes are dedicated museums today

Carnivale• Carnivale typically involves a public celebration or

parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.

• The main events are usually during February.• Carnivale is a festive season which occurs

immediately before Lent.• Carnivale is traditionally held in areas with a large

Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Orthodox makeup.

• Carnivale is similar to our Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Vocabularyimpunity: exemption from penalty or punishment

connoisseur: person of discriminating taste

clamored: noisily shouted

virtuoso: Spirit: deep interest and knowledge of the arts

gemmary: knowledge of precious stones

immolation: sacrifice; killed by fire

motley: multicolored costume of a jester

pipe: large cask used for wine and oil

suites: group of rooms occupied as a unit

sherry: amber colored dry wine

Vocabularycask: large container for beer or wine

roquelaire: a knee-length coat

perceive: attain understanding or awareness

niter: white or grey salt deposit

palazzo: a palace or luxurious house

masons: freemasons; bricklayers

utterance: something expressed; statement

puncheons: barrel-shaped vessel used for liquids

arms: insignia with figures & a family motto

flambeaux: lighted torches

Vocabularycatacombs: subterranean cemetery; underground passageway

crypt: an underground chamber

aperture: an opening or open space

rapier: long double-edged sword

Latin is Not a Dead Language

• Many words in the English language are derived from Latin root words. The roots are a key to understanding and expanding vocabulary. Additionally, certain Latin phrases are used in works of literature. “The Cask of Amontillado” is one of those literary pieces.

• “Nemo me impune lacessit.” – No one assails me with impunity.

• “In pace requiescat!” – May he rest in peace.

Examples of Foreshadowing

• “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I have borne…”• “Enough,” he said, “the cough is a mere nothing…I shall

not die from a cough.” • The mention of the family crest. “ A huge human foot

d’or…”• Throughout the catacombs lay the bones and chains of

others.• “You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are

happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed.”• The trowel beneath the roquelaire.• De Grave (variety of sherry) translates to the grave.

Examples of Irony

• Fortunato’s name means good fortune or luck.

• The title (Cask) means both a wine barrel and is the root word of casket which is a coffin.

• Fortunato’s motley (jester’s outfit) is a contrast to his fate.

• The double edged reference to masons. Montresor will build Fortunato’s tomb.