In a Socratic Seminar, the key is to focus on questions that can be discussed rather than questions that have right answers. For example, you don’t want to ask what Montresor’s family crest looked like. Yes, it’s important, but it has one right answer. Instead, you could ask a question about the crest. For example, what does the crest tell you about Montresor?

In regards to Poe’s death, there are many options. His death is very mysterious. I have included an interesting link. You can ask questions related to the themes of “Cask of Amontillado” such as: Do you think Poe was a vengeful man?

Consider these questions:

Do you think Poe has some history with revenge?

Do you think Poe was a murderer?

Since it is a Socratic Seminar, feel free to use your imagination! Try to begin with open-ended questions. Here are some question stems:

Do you think ….?

What would you do in this situation if ……?

Was ___________ right or wrong to ……?