Coat of Arms Assignment

Name: Date: Period:

Coat of Arms – Test Grade Assignment

In Poe’s short story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor reveals that his family’s coat of arms is “a huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel”. This combination of imagery and colors is designed to show that the Montresor family is intelligent, loyal, and able to conquer evil.

In addition, Montresor’s family motto, “nemo me impune lacessit,” is Latin for “no one attacks me with impunity”. This motto, along with the coat of arms, allows readers to gain insight into Montresor’s vengeful character.

Like Montresor, you will develop a coat of arms to represent yourself and/or your family. On the template provided, you will design a coat of arms that includes the following 3 elements:

1. Symbols: Adopt symbols for your coat of arms, such as animals (deer, lion, horse, bird, rabbit), man-made objects (castle, sword, key, shovel, gun), or items from nature (tree, flower, fruit).

2. Colors: Include colors that reflect your personality and values.

3. Motto: Create an inscription or motto that reflects something you value or believe in. This motto shouldn’t be funny or made light of. Put some effort in to it!

In several paragraphs, explain the significance of the various elements of the coat-of-arms which you have designed for your person. You will need your own paper for this. Be creative! Use your time wisely!

Due Date: Monday, October 5th! Heraldic Colors & Meanings  Horse - Readiness to Serve

 Silver/White – truth, sincerity, peace,  Lion – Courage innocence and purity  Pelican - Generosity & Devotion  Gold – wisdom, generosity, glory,  Raven – Constancy constancy and faith  Snake – Ambition  Black –wisdom, grief, constancy and  Elk/ Deer - Peace & Harmony prudence  Tiger - Fierceness & Valor  Green – abundance, joy, hope and  Unicorn - Extreme courage loyalty in love  Wolf - Constant Vigilance  Blue – loyalty, chastity, truth, Heraldic Symbols & Meanings strength and faith  Red – magnanimity, military  Axe – Dutiful strength, warrior and martyr  Sun – Glory  Purple – temperance, regal, justice,  Bridge – governor or magistrate royal majesty, and sovereignty

 Maroon – fortitude or victorious  Scepter – Justice  Orange – ambition  Crescent – Enlightenment  Star – Nobility Heraldic Animals & Meanings  Cross – Christian sentiments  Bear – Protectiveness  Ring – Fidelity  Bee – Industriousness  Crown – Authority  Camel – Perseverance  Sword – Warlike  Dog – Loyalty  Fire – Zeal  Eagle - Leadership & Decisiveness  Flaming Heart – Passion  Dragon - Defender of Treasure  Hand - Faith, Sincerity & Justice  Falcon or Hawk – Eagerness  Heart – Sincerity  Fox – Cleverness  Horns & Antlers – Fortitude  Griffin (eagle/lion) – Bravery  Lightning – Decisiveness  Moon – Serenity  Castle - Fortitude & Protectiveness  Oyster Shell – Traveler