The Cask of Amontillado

by Edgar Allan Poe

Short Story Questions
1. Why did Montresor seek revenge on Fortunato?
2. How did Montresor know the house would be empty?
3. In your own words, describe the catacombs that Fortunato is led
through.
4. Where and when is the story set? Give reasons for your answer.
5. Why does Montresor make sure that Fortunato has drunk a lot of wine?
6. What is Luchesis role in the story
7. What preparations had Montresor made for his revenge?
8. Why does Montresor appear concerned about Fortunatos health?
9. Do you think Montresor should have killed Fortunato? Why or why not?
10. What do you think Fortunato might have done to make Montresor want
such a diabolical revenge?
11. In your opinion, did Montresor have to kill Fortunato? Is there any
other way Montresor could have handled this situation? Explain.
12. Do you think Montresors crime will ever be discovered? Why or why
not?
13. Relate Montressors family motto, which is translated as, No one
attacks me with impunity (freedom from punishment)
14. Fortunato belongs to the order of Masons; Montressor says he is a
Mason too. What does he really mean?
15. When Fortunato drinks to the dead, Montressor drinks to Fortunatos
long life. Why is his toast ironic?
16. When Fortunato says that his cough is nothing, that he will not die of a
cold Montresor says, True, true. What is the meaning of his words?
17. When he has already chained Fortunato, Montresor says, in part,
Once more let me implore you to return. Why does he say that?
18. The final sentence of the story is the Latin phrase which means rest in
peace. Why is that ironic?
19. Find an example of hyperbole in The Cask of Amontillado