1. Fifty years have taken place between the events of the story and the time that Montresor narrates them. Why do you think the story takes place in the distant past instead of being narrated right after the events occurred?
Setting the events of the story fifty years in the past 1) allows Montresor and the reader to know that Montresor got away with his crime; 2) intensifies the eeriness of the story in that Montresor remembers precise events and conversations fifty years after they took place; 3) makes it clear that Montresor's hatred for Fortunato has not mellowed with time.
2. Do you think Montresor is in his right mind or does he seem unbalanced? Support your answer.
Answers will vary, depending on your opinion, but you must support your answer! Possible answers include:
He is in his right mind because he takes pains to cover his crime to avoid detection; he recalls every detail of the crime, indicating that his mind was, and is, clear; he has been able to manage his life successfully for fifty years.
He is not in his right mind because he thinks an insult is worthy of death; he never reveals the nature of the insult, apparently believing that it doesn't matter; he expects the reader to agree with his actions and to feel that he was justified in them; he gets great pleasure from hearing Fortunato rattle his chains and scream; he recalls every detail of the crime, indicating an obsession with the deed.
