Cask of Amontillado

Vocab

Cask – barrel for holding wine

Catacombs – underground cemetery

Virtuoso – person who is highly skilled in a technique or art

Flambeaux – torch/flame

• Impunity – freedom from punishment or harmHis impunity was a result of his high standing with the judge.• Fettered – chain or shackle feetThe line of prisoners marched in perfect time despite their fettered feet.

• Connoisseur – one who enjoys discriminating between different wines (wine expert)

He was a wine connoisseur and spent most of his free time in the vineyards.• Gait – the way someone walksHer gait was pained as if she walked on glass shards.

• Precluded – rule out in advance/ make impossible

His actions precluded my ability to help him in the future.• Retribution – giving or receiving of a reward or

punishmentThe criminal’s retribution came very quickly.

• Afflicted – to torture/cause sufferingShe afflicted such pain on my soul that I never felt happiness again!• Explicit – leaving no question, fully

explained/clearHer directions were very explicit; I knew exactly what to do when I got to work.• Nitre – salty substance found in cold, damp

places• Masons – someone who builds brick walls/

member of an old secret society