The words below are from the story "The Cask of Amontillado." To familiarize yourself with the
vocabulary in the story, divide the words below into no more than four categories. Be sure to give
each category a heading.
Words:
Amontillado
cask
vaults
connoisseurship
nitre
vintages
crypt
pipe
palazzo
parti-striped dress
DeGrave
puncheons
catacombs
motley
roquelaire
conical cap
Medoc
Story:
Catacombs and Carnival
Centuries ago, in Italy, the early Christians buried their dead in catacombs, which are long, winding
underground tunnels. Later, wealthy families built private catacombs beneath their palazzos, or
palatial homes. These dark and cool chambers, or vaults, contained nitre, a crystallized salt growth.
In order to find their way in their underground tunnels, the owners would light torches or flambeaux.
These crypts were suitable not only for burial but also for storage of fine vintage wines such as
Amontillado, DeGrave, and Medoc. A wine expert, or connoisseur, would store wine carefully in these underground vaults. Wine was stored in casks or puncheons, which held 72 to 100 gallons,
or pipes, which contained 126 gallons (also known as two hogsheads).
Poe's story takes place in the catacombs during Carnival, a celebration that still takes place in
many countries. The day before Ash Wednesday is celebrated as a holiday with carnivals, masquerade
balls, and parades of costumed merrymakers. During Carnival, people celebrate by disguising
themselves as fools, wearing parti-striped dress or motley, and capes, known as roquelaires.
Women would celebrate wearing conical caps. Carnival is also called Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday,
because the feasting that takes place is the day before Ash Wednesday. Starting on Ash Wednesday,
which is the beginning of Lent, some Christians fast and do penance for their sins.