Literary Paedeia Discussion Questions: The Cask Of Amontillado

Literary Paedeia Discussion Questions: The Cask Of Amontillado
Pre-AP English I

Task: Using only their knowledge of literary elements, and the story The Cask Of Amontillado students will assemble in a circle and discuss the following discussion questions. During the discussion, students are expected to respond aloud to all each question and write individual responses on a sheet of paper. DO NOT WRITE RESPONSES ON THIS SHEET OF PAPER. (NOTE: a considerable point deduction will take place if this occurs.) Also, each response (objective or subjective) must be supported with textual information. Page numbers are required. Any response presented without a page number will be disregarded. During the discussion, the instructor will moderate, observe, and chime in occasionally.

Objective: Students should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of literary elements, and their ability to produce objective (factual or provable) responses and subjective (opinionated) responses. They will also be evaluated on their ability to make inferences and identify the main idea of specific passages, as well as their ability to participate in a group discussion.

Standards: ESL 1, 2, 3/ER1, 2/EW2, 3, 4 Materials: Discussion questions, textbook copy of The Cask Of Amontillado, notebook paper, and literary discussion aids (i.e. handouts, notes, annotations, etc.), and pen/pencil.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

ICE BREAKER QUESTION: Why do people use revenge as a method of redemption? Explain, use examples to support your assertion.

1. Point of view is always an important element in prose fiction. What role does point of view play in this story? Could a different point of view have affected the way in which the reader understood the plot? Discuss specific possible alternatives.

2. Through intelligent subjective reasoning, make specific inferences regarding the principle (i.e. protagonist and antagonist) characters in the story. Discuss their motivations, intentions, and possible faults. Be specific…support with text based information. After addressing this question, subjectively and objectively discuss what these characters have in common. What do Fortunato and Montresor have in common?

3. The narrator says to Fortunato, “You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy as once I was.” Based on this statement, how would you interpret the name Fortunato? [SUBJECTIVE RESPONSE]

4. Poe uses foreshadowing, or clues suggesting possible action, throughout the story to move the plot along. Indicate the specific examples of foreshadowing that Poe uses in the story. How do these episodes help the struggle? Use examples from text to support. must be supported by textually based information.

5. Conflict is an essential element in this story. First begin with a discussion of its importance to the story, then provide evidence of the significance of conflict in the story. Relate the conflicts to the characters in the story. Remember: include page reference.

6. According to the narrator, Fortunato insulted and injured him some time ago, thus causing him to seek vengeance. How has the narrator treated Fortunato in the past? Also, the narrator wants a particular kind of revenge. What two elements does he consider essential to his revenge? Look up the word impunity in the glossary or dictionary, then explain what the narrator means by the following statement: “I must not only punish, but punish with impunity.”

7. Symbolism is an important literary element for many reasons. In this story it is pervasive. Begin with a discussion of symbolism (don’t forget the symbols), and then provide literary and non-literary based examples. Then, explore many of the prevalent symbols found within the story. How does symbolism affect the plot of the story? What are the symbols (i.e. the catacombs, the amontillado, etc..), but more importantly, what do they represent? Objective and subjective responses

8. Discuss the Poe’s use of imagery. Address specific passages that indicate the use of imagery. Answer the following questions: What is the significance of the imagery? What impact does the imagery have on you? Could the story have been effective without the use of imagery? NOTE: YOU MUST INCLUDE SPECIFIC PASSAGES…BE READY TO RESPOND WHEN CALLED TO ANSWER.

9. Main idea is defined as the author’s reason or purpose for writing the literary work. What is Poe’s reason or purpose for writing The Cask Of Amontillado? You MUST be able to answer this question. This question will produce both objective and subjective responses, so more importantly; you must be able to SUPPORT it with textually based information. You must be able to pull specific passages from the story (with page numbers) to offer as evidence. This is a highly important question…mastery is essential to productive scholarship in this course.

10. How does Poe increase the reader’s feeling of suspense during the journey through the catacombs? Why does he do this?

11. Theme is often defined as the moral lesson that is presented within the plot of the story. It can often have an inspirational or educational value that transcends the page. What is the overall theme of this story? What lesson, if any is taught?

12. What is the Montressor family motto? How might this motto be used to explain the character of Montressor? Use examples from text.