How to Study Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado”

Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado” was first published in “Godey’s Lady’s Book” in 1846. On the surface, the story may seem like a simple tale of revenge. However, there is a deeper commentary within the story. This guide is to help you study and analyze “The Cask of Amontillado."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consider why Poe never directly reveals why Montresor feels insulted and whether not knowing changes how you feel about what Montresor does to Fortunato.
2. Note the clues that might give you information about the insult that leads Montresor to get revenge on Fortunato. Decide if these “thousand injuries” are real or imagined. These events also happened fifty ears ago. Montresor’s retelling may be unreliable.
3. Think about why Montresor decides to take his revenge at the time of carnival, when carnival is a time of merriment and celebration.
4. Pay attention to what happens as Montresor and Fortunato descend deeper into the catacombs: how Montresor baits Fortunato, their dialogue and gestures and Fortunato’s state of mind. See if there is any sense of rivalry or animosity on Fortunato’s end.
5. Read the final exchange between Montresor and Fortunato carefully. Critics have suggested that Fortunato gets a final upper hand on Montresor, and Montresor really does need Fortunato as a rival (real or imagined). Decide if you agree with these critics.
6. Determine how Poe develops a sense of terror and dread, even though the narrator reveals his motivations to the reader, and the reader knows what is going to happen.
7. Think about what Poe is saying about revenge and whether he sides with Montresor or pities Fortunato. Pay close attention to the way the two are dressed and the colors they wear.
8. See if Poe’s storytelling makes you side with Montresor or with Fortunato, and if you have any strong reactions for or against either man based upon the storytelling.

Tips & Warnings

• Some of the story’s themes include punishment without proof of guilt, revenge, perceived wrongdoing, judgment and unlawful retribution.
• See Resources for Poe’s possible inspirations for “The Cask of Amontillado.”