Short Story Reading Guide
The Cask of Amontillado
by Edgar Allan Poe
Est. Time
45 mins
Level
B2
Themes
Revenge, Pride, Irony
1Quick Reading Guide
Warm Up
Agree/Disagree: Is revenge ever justified?
Reading
"Plot Ladder": Arrange 6 key events in order (use shuffled event cards).
Evidence
Find evidence for/against Montresor’s "justification".
Discussion
Why does he tell the story 50 years later? Does he feel guilt?
2Scaffolds for Support
Sentence Starters
- •"Montresor wants revenge because..."
- •"Fortunato is easily tricked because..."
- •"The irony is that..."
3Vocabulary & Grammar
Key Words
insultimpunityconnoisseurtoleratemantlecatacombsdampnichetrowelimmolate
Grammar Focus
Irony & Polite Language (Surface politeness vs. actual malice)
4Writing Task
Warning Letter
Write a letter from a friend to Fortunato warning him not to go with Montresor.
Rubric Checklist
- Use 2 specific details from the text
- Use warning modals (must not, should not)
- Appropriate tone