Write a 500-600 word, 5 paragraph essay that uses examples from the story to support your ideas based on the information you discovered during the reading of Poe’s work.
OPTION I
Is Montresor in “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe insane? (Don’t fall into the trap of assuming he has to be crazy in order to kill someone.) Remember also that this person who narrates the story is NOT Edgar Allan Poe himself.
Who is this character/narrator? Age? What do you know about him? His family?
What does he do? Say? Why?
What new insight does this person have by the end of the story?
What type of imagery is used to reveal this information?
Is he reliable?
Once you are ready to argue your opinion about Montresor as a person, then support your comments about him with examples from Poe’s story. DO NOT solely base your assumptions on the fact that he has killed Fortunato – maybe.
OPTION 2
Did Fortunato die at the hands of Montresor, or was he more ill than either he or Montresor realized?
Would his poor health have caused his death that night, no matter the location?
Did he actually die because of the catacombs’ damp, moldy condition?
What proof exists to support your opinion?
What events/examples prove your point? What descriptions? What comments from either/both men?
What significance do you find in the ending for support?
What type of imagery is used to reveal this information?
