illustration of Fortunato standing in motley behind a mostly completed brick wall with a skull superimposed on the wall where his face should be

The Cask of Amontillado

by Edgar Allan Poe

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Delve into the history of the Free and Accepted Masons, a fraternity to which Fortunato seemingly belongs. How were Masons viewed in the United States during the 1800s? Why might Edgar Allan Poe have decided to depict Fortunato as a member?

What is nitre, also known as potassium nitrate or saltpeter? How does it form on the walls of catacombs? In what ways could it be harmful?

Explore the field of heraldry, the medieval practice of assigning and describing symbols displayed on a shield to identify families. Learn enough of heraldry's specialized vocabulary to explain the conversation between Montresor and Fortunato regarding Montresor's "arms."

Investigate the attire of European gentlemen in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Fortunato, having enjoyed the carnival, is dressed in motley, while Montresor wears a silk mask and a roquelaire. What do their clothing choices indicate about their social status or character?

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