“The Cask of Amontillado”
By Edgar Allan Poe
English 9. Write a 3 paragraph essay in which you explain how Edgar Allan Poe creates mood in his short story “The Cask of Amontillado.” Write in 3rd person, literary present [as if the story events are occurring now]. Your essay should follow this format:
ü Introduction paragraph.
o You might include: an explanation or definition of mood; begin with a great quote from the story; begin with a question about the story; or your own idea for hooking the reader.
o Definitely include the name of the story and its author.
o In this paragraph you may include two (2) sentences that summarize the plot.
o Your thesis will probably be the first or last sentence of this paragraph, where you describe the overall mood Poe creates in this story.
o When you name or describe the mood, do not use clichés, such as “scary.” Instead, find an appropriate synonym for “scary,” but an unusual one! Use your personal thesaurus or thesaurus @ www.dictionary.com to do that.
ü Middle paragraph. Support your thesis with examples from the story. How does Poe create the mood?
o Point to specific examples throughout the story to support your answer.
§ What impact does the setting (Carnival, catacombs, etc.) have on the mood?
§ How does characterization (what Montressor and Fortunato) say, do; how they’re dressed, etc.) add to the mood?
§ What specific plot events help create the mood?
§ What examples of diction affect the mood?
o Each time you make a statement about the setting, character, plot, or diction you must then elaborate - explain what you mean.
ü Conclusion paragraph. Wrap up your essay by creatively reinforcing (not just restating) your thesis. You might include: food for thought – a question for the reader to ponder; a quotation from this story or elsewhere that wraps up your topic; something that entices the reader to read or reread “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Criteria for success. A successful essay will present a clear thesis, include specific examples from the story, and be presented professionally. Again, please use the reference section in the back of your grammar book for quoting from the book and indicating page numbers. You must turn in the rubric on the back, with your name on it, with your paper or lose one point.
Expository Writing:
How Edgar Allan Poe Creates Mood in
“The Cask of Amontillado”
Name _______________________________________________ period ________
Focus/Organization
Introductory paragraph: correctly identifies title and author of the story;
provides a brief summary of the story (2 sentences maximum);
includes a strong thesis/main idea. ___/5
Middle paragraph: supports thesis with specific examples and details
from the story. Explains connection between examples or details and thesis. ____/5
Conclusion paragraph: effectively synthesizes ideas presented;
reinforces thesis; leaves reader with a sense of completeness. ___/5
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
Paper must be: free of misspellings, fragments and run-ons;
use correct capitalization & punctuation; use Standard English;
neat, legible, and presented in appropriate format. ___/5
Total: ___/20