1. Poe’s “Cask of Amontillado”
Lecture notes & additional information

2. What the heck is that!? The unfamiliar words & phrases of “Cask”
Utterance – “Ugh!” a short not fully formed word
Immolation – to kill of offer as a sacrifice
Nitre – sodium nitrate – a naturally occurring compound that is caustic and is used in the making of fertilizers, explosives, glass & the preservation of meat.
Flambeaux – a crude torch
Rapier – a short sword
Roquelaire – a small cloak
Fettered – to chain, shackle

3. What is Carnival? Ever seen Rio? Heard of Fat Tuesday & Mardi Gras?
Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.

4. What is Carnival? Comes from the Italian words carne levare
Carne = meat
Levare = do away with
Celebrated in countries with a high Catholic population.
How can Carnival help to define the setting?

5. The brotherhood? - Freemasonry
Fraternal organization
Obscure origins
Began in 16-17th centuries?
Medieval Era? (1390)
Heavy into symbols and rituals

6. Want to be a member? Must petition lodge
Members cannot ask or recruit (misconception)
Person is investigated by the brotherhood
Assurance of good character
Secret ballot election
Sometimes only one rejection is needed to deny membership (others 3)
Linked to charitable organizations – Shriners hospitals, etc.
Was this the reason Montressor was upset?
Denied membership?!?!?

7. Montresor Do most people have family crests & mottoes?
Motto? – Latin for “no one attacks me unpunished”
Loose modern translation – “Nobody with me.”
Do most people have family crests & mottoes?
Does Montresor feel obligated by his family’s crest?
Is his revenge hereditary?
What do we know about Montresor that HE tells us?
What connotation does his name have?
French translation
Mon = My
Tresor = Treasure

8. Fotunato What does his name sound like?
What does Montressor tell us about him?
What kind of person is he?
Does he even have a clue?

9. Irony
The story is dripping with irony.