Analysis of 'The Cask of Amontillado'

Why does Poe begin the story with Montresor’s declaration that he has been wronged by Fortunato?

• To create immediate sympathy for Montresor

• To foreshadow the events of revenge

• To provide a distraction from the main plot

• To introduce a subplot about Montresor's family

What effect does the story’s first-person narration have on the reader?

• It provides a detailed, unbiased account of events

• It builds tension by limiting the reader to Montresor’s perspective

• It allows the reader to understand Fortunato’s thoughts

• It makes the story seem more like a historical document

How does the author’s choice to withhold Fortunato’s offense contribute to the story?

• It reduces the tension

• It creates mystery and forces the reader to question Montresor’s reliability

• It shifts the focus to the carnival setting

• It adds humor to the dark narrative

What narrative technique does Poe use to create dramatic irony throughout the story?

• Flashback

• Foreshadowing

• Unreliable narrator

• Dialogue

How does the story's setting in the catacombs contribute to the suspense?

• It provides historical context

• It isolates the characters and emphasizes danger

• It makes the story more romantic

• It slows the pacing to reduce tension

Why is the pacing of the story slowed down as the characters move deeper into the catacombs?

• To allow Fortunato time to change his mind

• To give background about Montresor’s family

• To build tension and anticipation

• To emphasize Fortunato’s illness

What is the effect of Poe’s choice to make the story a retrospective confession?

• It gives away the ending immediately

• It allows for manipulation of events and selective memory

• It reduces mystery and suspense

• It adds a romantic tone to the horror

What does the lack of external conflict in the story emphasize?

• The psychological depth of Montresor’s plan

• Fortunato’s heroism

• The failure of Montresor’s revenge

• The use of humor

How does Poe’s choice to reveal the motive vaguely affect the story?

• It clarifies Montresor’s guilt

• It confuses the plot unnecessarily

• It enhances the mystery surrounding the narrator’s actions

• It explains Fortunato’s intentions

How does the use of irony in Montresor’s dialogue affect the story’s tone?

• It lightens the mood

• It reveals Montresor’s remorse

• It heightens the tension and dark humor

• It clarifies the historical period