Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American writer of poetry and short stories. He is well known for creating a macabre, or gruesome, mood in his horror stories. From the very beginning of “The Cask of Amontillado,” Poe builds tension and suspense. Montresor, the narrator, vows revenge against his friend Fortunato for an unnamed reason. Montresor plans to take advantage of Fortunato’s weakness.

Read the following excerpt from “The Cask of Amontillado”:

He had a weak point--this Fortunato--although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine. Few Italians have the true virtuoso spirit. For the most part their enthusiasm is adopted to suit the time and opportunity, to practise imposture upon the British and Austrian millionaires. In painting and gemmary, Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack, but in the matter of old wines he was sincere. In this respect I did not differ from him materially;--I was skilful in the Italian vintages myself, and bought largely whenever I could.
According to Montresor, what is Fortunato’s weakness?
A
Fortunato is secretly a British millionaire.
B
Fortunato is an expert on painting and gemstones.
C
Fortunato is an expert and appreciator of fine wines.
D
Fortunato is a quack and knows nothing about wine.