We must first understand that a carrion is a dead carcass of an animal. ... The poem begins with what appears to be a couple walking along during a nice summer day, and there they saw the object that was the dead animal that was laying belly up on the side of the road with its legs spread like a prostitute. ... The flies have swarmed the dead beast and make it appear as a dark black cloud has descended upon the carcass. ... Death is a sad thing and the reader is reminded that one day they will be just like the dead animal. ... The very last stanza seems to be the narrator talking to his girl a...

• Word Count: 1751
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

The man that Brown encounters in the woods states, "I have been as well acquainted with your family as with ever a one among the Puritans; and that's no trifle to say (265)". ... After meeting this strange man, Brown begins to witness some bizarre events. ... Montresor's name being associated with "treasure" gives the reader an image of a rich and powerful man (Gruesser 129). ... Yet another example of Poe's dramatic irony occurs as the two men are walking down to the catacombs and Fortunato notices the Montresor coat of arms. ... Montresor calls Fortunato "dear" when he hates...

• Word Count: 2414
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School