EQ 1: What are the layers of context/setting in this film?
The first layer is the obvious layer. On the surface, this story seems like a quest between to friends for the quest of the rare sherry, Amontillado, in a deserted catacomb, which may ray suspicions. However, the creepy, dark setting brings us into the next level, which is the meaning of the story. As the story comes the a conclusion, it is realized that Fortunado had fallen in the trap of his companion, chaining himself to his death. The narrator knew how to tug onto Fortunado's heartstrings by tempting him with the rare Amontillado. Because of Fortunado's desire for Amontillado, he blindly follows his companion to wherever he leads him. Once inside the catacomb, his companion turns on him and reveals his true intentions. He led Fortunado to the catacombs for revenge, to chain him to the wall so he cannot escape. Finally, in examining the third layer of the story, we ask ourselves what is the true nature of our narrator. Has Fortunado done something so bad that he deserves to be locked alive in a catacomb, doomed for death? The narrator's nature is truly questioned due to his way to execute his revenge. We also see how Fortunado's lust for Amontillado, desire for it, to lead him to his death, unknowingly. By creating the setting, a dark, gloomy, catacomb, Poe created the perfect setting for the unexpected act of the narrator chaining his victim to the wall, ceasing all hopes or ways of attempted escape or anything else.
EQ 2: How does the author/poet convey evil or darkness? Is it through the plot, imagery, characters, setting? What expressions of darkness had the most impact on you and why?
The poet/author conveyed darkness by making the setting a place of darkness and death to set the mood of the story. Although the carnival at the beginning seems like a happy and friendly place, Poe chose to take the story to a totally different mood. The characters did not give much information about what is to happen, other than the introduction of the beginning as the narrator talks of revenge. The setting does make an impact in this story, but I prefer a more direct approach, an approach through the portrayal of characters to see what they are thinking, which gives a more personal feel towards the story.
EQ 3: How can a character represent darkness? Who or what is evil in this film? From whose perspective or in what context?
A character is able to represent darkness by what they say, how they say it, what they wear as well as the places they choose to go to. In this story, in the very end, the narrator, the one that led Fortunado to his death was the "evil" one. Even though Fortunado seems like the pessimistic character in the story as it progresses, but in the end, the narrator is the one that does the deed to prove his suspected nature. The perspective is from that of the audience, that of the reader in the context of the this story. Although it is a dark story, it questions the human nature and what a normal person may be thinking, of how we judge, it is still a story that explores the character and what is within them.
EQ 4: What factors contribute to the character's evil actions? What patterns in society or context help and/or hinder and/or change in his behaviour?
Factors that may contribute to the evil actions of our character include the time, what is happening in the society, politically as well as economically. It might also come in the form of the people he is surrounded by and their influencing factor on his decisions. The pattern in society may also change his behaviour as a sign of the survival instinct.
EQ 5: What are the roots of this person's choices/evil/dark behaviour? What are the choices he/she makes or could have done differently?
The roots of Montresor choices and behaviour in this specific story is revenge. It is because of his desire and the temptation of revenge on Fortunado. The choices that he could have done differently include choosing not to take revenge on Fortunado and be a good person by forgiving and forgetting. Also, he could have made different decisions on how to execute this dreadful act, maybe a more humane way of doing things.
EQ 6: How does this character/plot/setting symbolize the darkness in all of us? In humanity?
The character himself symbolized darkness by his choice of executing his revenge on Fortunado. The plot itself lead the story to a place of darkness, but at first glance, it does not to be going down the path of darkness. As the story wraps itself up, the plot reveals its true nature and that of the character as well. By choosing the lead the characters to a dark, somber catacombs This directly links us to the setting. By choosing a dark, deserted, somber catacomb, the author portrays a setting that is filled with death, resembles the terminations of life and casts the air of suspicion to both characters, although one of them realize what is going to happen. In humanity, there are always things that happen, especially the moment you turn on the news. People, events and setting may also symbolize darkness by casting the eery atmosphere, the choices people make, and the situations people find themselves in.
No comments:
Post a Comment