Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the rich symbolism Poe uses to send a strong lesson to readers to gain a deeper understanding of the story.
Themes, Motifs, and Imagery to Look for and Discuss
Names
Poe employs irony in many of his works. A specific example in this story is the name "Fortunato", which means the "fortunate one" in Italian. Despite his name, Fortunato's fate is certainly unfortunate.
Carnivals and Masquerades
These events set the scene for many of Poe’s horror stories. In "Cask", the setting of Carnival takes on a double meaning. Typically Carnival is a time of happiness and social gathering. However, it is also a time of disguises and trickery. Montresor uses these motifs to his advantage as he lures Fortunato to his death with a bottle of wine.
The Voice of the Dead
Death is a recurring motif that Poe favors in his works and their messages. Poe uses the story of Fortunato’s death to ask the question, "Is revenge always justified?" Notice how Poe never tells the reader what it was that Fortunato did or said, Montresor simply states that he was insulted. This leaves the reader to question justification of Montresors’ actions.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in "Cask of Amontillado". Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from "Cask of Amontillado" you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/5] Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise
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[ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/10] By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To teach Themes To ELA Learners
Choose Appropriate Literature
Opt for literature with distinct and relatable themes. Look for tales, poetry, or writings that have substantial subjects but are not extremely linguistically complicated. Depending on the interests and understanding of the students, teachers can choose interesting pieces.
Introduce Vocabulary
Before reading the material, introduce important words associated with the theme. Students will gain a better understanding of the themes and concepts as a result. For the retention of this vocabulary, students can make flashcards or use any other exercise that can help them remember.
Use Existing Knowledge
Beginning with a basic discussion of the theme will help to activate prior knowledge. Inquire of the class whether they have come across such topics in their own languages or cultures. This may aid in bridging their prior understanding with the novel idea.
Give Concrete Examples
Relate the theme to actual events or recent news items that the students may be familiar with. The concept may become more relatable and current as a result. These examples can be tailored depending on different language efficiencies of students.
Assign Creative Projects
Assign students creative tasks that ask them to explain how they comprehend the theme. Writing articles, producing artwork, writing poems, or even acting out situations associated with the theme are all examples of this.
Frequently Asked Questions About "The Cask of Amontillado" Themes
Which themes run throughout "The Cask of Amontillado"?
Retribution, betrayal, irony, duplicity, and the shadowy aspect of human nature are just a few of the themes that are explored in "The Cask of Amontillado" narrative. These themes force the readers to shed some light on the dark side of human nature and think about the justification behind seeking revenge.
How is the story’s overall meaning enhanced by the theme of irony?
In the story, irony is a potent literary device. Dramatic irony is produced by the contrast between Montresor's outward friendliness and his nefarious intentions because the reader is aware of his true intentions while Fortunato is unaware of them. The narrative's suspense is increased and the irony deepens the themes of deceit and betrayal.
What does the narrative teach us about the negative aspects of human nature?
"The Cask of Amontillado" highlights the more sinister facets of human nature, such as our penchant for cruelty, deceit, and seeking retribution. Montresor's acts reflect the potential for darkness that lurks inside everyone, showing the lengths to which people can go when driven by their need for vengeance.
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