1. Who is the narrator speaking to? Who is the "you" to whom Montresor reveals his crime? What drives him to share this story?

2. Analyze the role and symbolism of wine in the narrative.

3. Why do you think Poe omits details about the "thousand injuries" and the final "insult" inflicted by Fortunato? What can be inferred about them from the interactions between the two men? How do you interpret Fortunato's lack of inquiry into Montresor's motive for wanting to kill him?

4. Examine the various factors that contribute to Fortunato's downfall, such as his intoxication and arrogance. Why is this combination particularly fatal?

5. Does Montresor ever feel remorse for his actions? Discuss the passage where Fortunato pleads for his life and Montresor responds with, "Yes, for the love of God." Why does Montresor conclude the story with "Rest in peace"?

6. Charles Dana, an early critic of Poe's work, described his stories as "clumsily contrived, unnatural, and in every way in bad taste." Can you think of other works that fit this description but later gained critical and popular acclaim?