Discussion Questions Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared to share your original ideas in a class discussion. 1. Why do you think Montresor tells his audience this story? Can you trust the Montresor as the narrator? Why or why not? Consider the moments when Montresor addresses his audience. 2. At first, Fortunato is hesitant to follow Montresor into the vaults. Why do you think Poe included this detail? 3. Fortunato is dressed as a fool. He is also very concerned about the Amontillado and doesn’t want Montresor to call upon Luchresi’s expertise. What is the significance of these details? Explain your answer. 4. Montresor claims to be concerned for Fortunato’s health. Why might Montresor do this? Explain your answer. 5. In the context of this story, was Montresor’s revenge justified? Is revenge ever justified? When? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer. 6. Based on his essay “Of Revenge,” would Sir Francis Bacon agree with Montresor that “a wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong” (Paragraph 1)? Explain why or why he would not agree and what he might say in response to Montresor.