The Cask of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe Historical Context and Background

What is the setting? The story takes place in mid 18th century Italy in the height of Carnival season just before Lent. This is similar to the “Mardi Gras” celebration. The time of day is dusk.

Who is Montresor? Montresor is a nobleman (a Count) of French ancestry who is seeking revenge. He owns a Palazzo (a mansion) nearby.

Who is Fortunato? He is a bourgeois (rich) Italian who fancies himself a wine expert. He is at the Carnival and is under the impression that he and Montresor are friends.

What are Catacombs? Catacombs are underground burial chambers. Catacombs have extensive tunnels below large estates, such as Palazzos, leading to chambers or recesses where the ancestors of wealthy aristocratic European families are left to rest in peace. Since there was no refrigeration during that time, the wealthy would store their fine wines in their catacombs to preserve them.

Analyze the Effect of Setting: In The Cask of Amontillado, Poe carefully chose a setting to support his story. What parts of the story depend on the setting he selected? How would the story be different if the setting were changed?

Setting Analysis and Effect Complete each of the following statements by imagining at least one outcome that would result from a change in the setting. Then, defend your answers with reasoning based on evidence from The Cask of Amontillado in a few sentences.

Address the following setting changes and the effects: If Montresor had met Fortunato during the day instead of at dusk If the events had occurred during a period of solemn religious observance instead of a period of merrymaking If the story had taken place in the United States instead of in Italy If Montresor had lived in a more modest home instead of a palatial residence If the story had taken place in present day.