Ironic Statementwhat Is Ironic About It?

NAME: ______

The Cask of Amontillado

A. Think about the verbal irony in this story. Each of Montresor’s statements shown below could be considered ironic. In each box on the right, make notes that describe what is ironic about what Montresor says.

Ironic StatementWhat is ironic about it?

1. “Enough, “ he said; “the cough
is a mere nothing; it will not kill
me. I shall not die of a cough.”
“True—true,” I replied . . .
“but you should use all proper
caution.”
2. “I drink,” he said, “to the buried
that repose around us.”
“And I to your long life.”
3. “Once more let me implore
you to return. No? Then I
must positively leave you.”

B. Write down the passages that create a certain “mood” and explain the mood created.

1. Passage

We are below the river’s bed. The drops of moisture trickle among my bones. / Mood that is created
Gloomy, creepy, chilly, dark and damp

1. Passage

/ Mood that is created

1. Passage

/ Mood that is created

1. Passage

/ Mood that is created

C. Making inferences is figuring something out based on evidence. Readers usually infer by combining clues in the text with what they already know. Think about the actions, thoughts and feelings of the narrator in the story. Look for insights into his motivation. Record any observations that provide clues about the narrator’s state of mind.

What is saidWhat I can infer

“The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge. / The narrator feels that he has been injured or hurt by Fortunato’s insults.

D. Write the letter of the best answer.

______1. Why does Montresor tell Fortunato that he is going to ask Luchesi to judge the wine?

a. He wants to insult Fortunato.

b. He wants Luchesi’s opinion as well.

c. He doesn’t want Fortunato to feel obligated to help him.

d. He knows this will make Fortunato determined to do it himself.

______2. Throughout most of the story, Montresor treats Fortunato with

a. open hostility.

b. cold politeness.

c. great friendliness.

d. cheerful unconcern

______3. Montresor is able to manipulate Fortunato mainly through appealing

to Fortunato’s

a. guilt.

b. pride.

c. greed.

d. kindheartedness.

______4. The line at the end of the story, “For the half of a century no mortal

has disturbed them,” indicates that

a. the crime has gone unsolved.

b. the police are still looking for the body.

c. Montresor fears that God will punish his act.

d. Montresor has lost track of the time that has passed.