The Cask of Amontillado Group

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ashmon
ashmon

What impact does the setting have in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

I don't understand what "impact" means...

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Posted by ashmon on Saturday September 8, 2007 at 8:38 PM and tagged with impact, setting, the cask of amontillado.

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  1. merehughes Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    In this sense 'impact' means what effect or impression does the setting give the reader.

    Poe's writing is considered to be in the Gothic genre, therefore his setting is similarly Gothic.  The two men go deep down into the dungeon or cellar and all the words used to describe the setting give the reader a creepy feeling.  The fact that they are in a crypt is scary enough but Poe continues to 'scare' the reader by describing in detail the thick stones, the dampness of the room and so on.  

    In this way the 'impact' on the story and the reader is very strong.  The story would not be as strong if it were set in a living room.  He could have just as easily chained Fortunato up in a bedroom hidden away, but he did not.  He brought him into a tomb alive, which makes the story much scarier. 

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/summary

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    Posted by merehughes on Saturday September 8, 2007 at 11:48 PM


  2. brendawm Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    Impact means how does it affect you as you read the story. "The Cask of Amontillado’’ is one of those stories that relies heavily on the setting to create the sense of forboding and danger that is present from the very beginning. Although the setting in terms of time and exact location are vague, the hints of being in the catacombs of Montresor's home and being aware of his evil intentions causes increased tension on the part of the reader. The murky atmosphere of the catacombs creates fear and anxiety in the reader that increases as his evil plans of revenge become more and more obvious as the story progresses.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/cask-amontillado/summary

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    Posted by brendawm on Sunday September 9, 2007 at 7:13 AM

  3. cmaloney
    cmaloney Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The word impact means bearing or involvement in the case of the this story. It is asking how strong is the setting in realtion to the story?

     The setting is very important.  It begins on the street at a time when Christians are partying because it is almost time for the season of Lent.  Lent in the Catholic tradition is a very serious, somber time when people sacrifice food and wine for their religious pennance.

    The story would not work if it hadn't taken place during what is called "Carnevale" in Europe. That is where the word carnival in English got its roots.  Carne = meat.   It is a time when people party and eat meat and drink wine because they will give all that up during Lent. It is also a time to dress in costumes. Neither Fortunato nor Montresor can be recognized because they are wearing disguises.  A perfect way to set someone up to be murdered.  Just think Mardi Gras in the United States!

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    Posted by cmaloney on Sunday September 23, 2007 at 6:56 PM