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The Cask of Amontillado

• By Edgar Allan Poe

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Italy 18th Century
Italys enchantment lies within its art culture,
specifically opera, theatre, architecture,
paintings, and sculptures.
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Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
1700-1800
Paintings
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Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Jewelry
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Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Palazzos (mansions)
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Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Fine Wines
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Carnival
Carnival is a secular holiday, but it evolved
from the Christian observance known as Lent, the
forty-day period of fasting prior to Easter.
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Carnival
In anticipation of the solemnity of Lent, the
celebration of Carnival evolved. Participants
engaged in excessive and extreme behavior to bid
farewell to meat-eating and merriment.
Carnival is a time of EXCESS and INDULGENCE where
binging upon food and alcohol is common.
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Carnival
The combination of costumes and alcohol gave
people a sense of freedom and anonymity.
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Carnival
The costumes they wore sometimes had a greater
meaning, or a symbol that was reflected in life.
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Catacombs Cities of the Dead
Catacombs, underground burial chambers, became a
viable alternative to cemeteries in Europe.
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Catacombs Cities of the Dead
Catacombs are characterized by extensive tunnels
leading to chambers or recesses where the dead
repose for eternity. The wealthy could opt for
family catacombs beneath their estates.
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Catacombs as Wine Cellars
During the 18th century, modern electric
refrigeration was not available. To protect wine
collections, connoisseurs adopted the practice of
storing wines under the ground where temperatures
remain ideal year-round.
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Amontillado
Amontillado, a fine sherry wine, can be kept down
in the catacombs, amongst the bones of relatives
passed.