Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado”
Pre-Reading
Before Reading Poe’s “Cask of Amontillado,” briefly respond to the following two questions below:
A) Recall a time when you did something dishonorable or shameful to someone else.
B) Recall a time when someone did something dishonorable or shameful to you.
As-you-read VOCABULARY list:
If you find yourself having trouble with Poe’s diction, check this list of pre-defined words from the text. If a word confuses you that is not on this list, you’re probably not alone. Look it up in a dictionary and be ready if someone else needs the word defined in class!
1. Cask (noun): Barrel
2. Amontillado (noun): A pale dry sherry wine
3. Preclude (verb): To make impossible; to prevent.
4. Impunity (noun): Exemption from punishment, penalty, or harm.
5. Redress (verb): To set right; remedy or rectify.
6. Retribution (noun): Something justly deserved; recompense
7. Wont (noun): Customary practice, usage, habit
8. Immolate (verb): To kill as a sacrifice.
9. Motley (noun): The multi-colored attire of a court jester
10. Nitre (noun): White, gray, or colorless mineral of potassium nitrate
11. Roquelaire (noun): A knee-length cloak lined with brightly colored silk and often trimmed with fur that was worn by European men in the 18th century.
12. Flambeau (noun): A lighted torch
13. Medoc (noun): A red Bordeaux wine.
14. Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (Latin): "No one injures (attacks) me with impunity".
15. Catacombs (noun): Underground cemeteries consisting of chambers or tunnels
16. Mason (noun): One who builds or works with stone or brick
17. Freemason (noun) a member of a widespread secret fraternal order pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love
18. Trowel (noun): A flat-bladed hand tool used for digging
19. Ignoramus (noun): An ignorant person.
20. Fetter (noun): To put fetters on; shackle
21. Rapier (noun): long, slender, two-edged sword with a cuplike hilt, used in the 16th and 17th centuries
22. In pace requiescat (Latin): Rest in Peace