Problem
The purpose of this activity is to develop a robust class discussion based on Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" and Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" readings in Unit 2. You will engage in dialogue with your classmates about what you learned in terms of the use of plot, structure, character, point of view, theme, symbolism, setting, tone, irony, satire, and other literary devices within short stories from this period. In addition, this discussion will guide your understanding of how diversity influences the context of different perspectives in these short stories.
Task
A. Each of the stories "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are known to use Gothic elements. Read about the "Gothic" in this week's Lesson Overview and think about what it means. What Gothic elements do you see in each story, and how do these elements contribute to the larger theme or message of the story?
B. Nathaniel Hawthorne often wrote about his ancestors, the Puritans, from the early colonial times in America. Even though he was writing two hundred years after they lived, he is fascinated by the impact their beliefs and culture had on American culture overall. He often wrote about the morality and hypocrisy of these deeply religious and strict people. How does "Young Goodman Brown" demonstrate the irony at the heart of the Puritanical belief system? What do you think this story is saying about strict religious beliefs and the true morality of people? Be specific and explore any symbolism that might help you explain.
C. Edgar Allan Poe is known as "the father of horror." His story, "The Cask of Amontillado" explores the potential evil at the heart of mankind. Why does the narrator of the story want revenge against Fortunato? Is there any explanation or reasoning for what the narrator does to his enemy? What do you think the story is saying about vengeance and hatred, and in what way are these things "horrifying?" Be specific.
D. Both stories are filled with lots of imagery and symbolism. Identify an important image, symbol, or description that you think helps exemplify the message in each story.
E. How do the settings of each story contribute to the overall message of each? Be specific.