Realization of Meaning: Students Read the First Section of the Story. the Teacher Leads

Evocation: Students will get into groups of three or four. Each group will be given a different colored index card with one of five topics written on it. The topics include Edgar Allan Poe, irony, Italy, revenge, and carnivals. There may need to be more than one card with each topic written on it, but each card should be the same color as other cards with the same topic. The students will discuss their knowledge of and experiences with the topic they receive. After two or three minutes they switch cards with another group and discuss a new topic. After four rotations each group should have discussed each topic.

Realization of Meaning: Students read the first section of the story. The teacher leads the students in discussion by using open-ended questions as prompts to draw out key ideas and students’ personal reactions, emotions, predictions, etc. Questions for the first stop should include: How do you feel about the narrator? Do his feelings seem justified? What does Fortunado’s name seem to imply about his character?

Students read the second section of the story. The teacher again leads the students in discussion. Questions for the second stop include: Which character seems more likeable? What does Fortunado’s dress imply about his character? How does Fortunado seem to feel about the narrator?

Students read the rest of the story. The teacher leads the students in a final discussion. Discussion questions should include: How was this story ironic? How do you feel about the narrator? How do you feel about Fortunado? How would you change the ending? How does Poe make the narrator’s character seem more sympathetic than we would expect him to be in this story? How is setting important in this story? Did you think that Montressor’s actions were justified? Why or why not? Reflection: The students should return to their groups. Each group is given a different colored index card with one of five quotes written on it. The quotes include: “An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” -- Mahatma Gandhi “Don't get mad, get even.” -- Robert F. Kennedy “She got even in a way that was almost cruel. She forgave them.” -- Ralph McGill about Eleanor Roosevelt “Success is the sweetest revenge.” -- Vanessa Williams “Revenge is often like biting a dog because the dog bit you.” -- Austin O'Malley Students will discuss the meanings of the quotes, their own experiences, and the way in which the quotes apply to the work. After five minutes they switch cards with another group and discuss a new topic. After five rotations each group should have discussed each topic. The stops should occur as follows: ...my smile NOW was at the thought of his immolation. FIRST STOP He had a weak point...... stood stupidly bewildered. SECOND STOP A moment more and I had fettered him...

Students write a creative retelling of the story from Fortunato's perspective of being buried alive.

Prompt: Rewrite "The Cask of Amontillado" from Fortunato's unfortunate point of view. As you work on your piece, be sure to mirror the story with respect to symbols (for example, what imagery and motifs would be significant to the victim in this last moments alive), themes, and other plot devices.