Explanation

Each of the four quotes I have selected provide a significant contribution towards their respective story. In addition, the various images depicting each quote expresses that such significance. The image of a man being stabbed in the back represents the personalities of both Montresor and Fortunato. Both symbolically and literally, the man in the picture (representing Fortunato) is unaware of the hatred someone has for him. Since Montresor appears to be friends with Fortunato during the story, "stabbing him in the back" is an act of betrayal. Secondly, the image of the twisted trees represents the spooky theme which was present in the Fall of the House of Usher. The picture of the gallows is representative of the execution mentioned in the Black Cat. Although there is little detail describing such event, it plays a substantial role - being that the story revolves around him unburdening his soul. Finally, the last image is of an hourglass in the shape of a heart. As I mentioned in the analysis for the Pit and the Pendulum quote, the protagonist's final torture is that of time. Hence, the heart-shaped hourglass symbolically signifies the life he has left until he is killed. Furthermore, the design of the blog has been customized to fit that of the Gothic theme. The background image captures the very sense of dread and mystery that is occurring in all of Poe's short stories. It uses elements such as mist and darkness, which are both present in Gothic literature. In addition, the title of the blog adds not only a creative feature, but also implies the idea that Poe's style of writing is focused on Gothic fiction. The distinct font which was used for the title also denotes the eccentric writing style for which Poe is known for.

The Cask of Amontillado Quote

"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge." - The Cask of Amontillado

From the very first sentence of Poe's short story, the Cask of Amontillado, conflict is established between the unforgiving protagonist, Montresor, and the unwary antagonist, Fortunato. Hence, the significance of the quote is that it introduces the reader to the fundamental dispute of the two main characters. Moreover, this conflict relates to the main theme as it focuses on revenge and justice. From the narrator's unreliable point of view, his plan for killing Fortunato occurs through the duration of the story. Though the motive of his vengeance is unknown to the reader, it is instead seen as justice in the eyes of Montresor. This further strengthens the person vs. person conflict, as it involves a vow for revenge and a careless target.

The Fall of the House of Usher

"I looked upon the scene before me - upon the mere house, and the simple landscape features of the domain  -  upon the bleak walls - upon the vacant eye - like windows - upon a few rank sedges - and upon the vacant eye-like windows - upon a few white trunks of decayed trees - with an utter depression of soul which I can compare to no earthly sensation more properly than to the after-dream of the reveller upon opium - the bitter lapse into every-day life - the hideous dropping off of the veil." - The Fall of the House of Usher

This quotation, found when the protagonist first arrives at the House of Usher, is incredibly significant to both the theme and the plot of the short story. Firstly, the atmosphere described establishes a gloomy mood which is apparent throughout the course of the story. By referring to the trees having "an utter depression of soul", it creates a sense of dread which both captivates the reader and encourages further reading. This connects with the plot because when the narrator goes on to explain the setting's mysterious power being out of his depth, it foreshadows the supernatural events which occur later on.

The Black Cat Quote

"Mad indeed would I be to expect, in a case where my very senses reject their own evidence. Yet, mad am I not - and very surely do I not dream. But tomorrow I die, and today I would unburden my soul." - The Black Cat

Occurring at the beginning of the short story, this quotation significantly questions the reader with the likelihood of reliability from the narrator. Although the information is limited in its current state - since it's only the introductory paragraph - , it can be inferred that the man's mental stability may be unstable. Such is evident in the narrator's implication of being "mad". As this is the first detail about the disposition of the man, the impression starts off with a concern of credibility of what is soon to be read. Furthermore, the narrator then proclaims that he will die on the following day. Interpreted of this is the possibility of execution - as it's the only reasonable option. Therefore, the protagonist must have committed a serious offence - such as murder - to be punished by death.

The Pit and the Pendulum Quote

"And now, flatter and flatter grew the lozenge, with a rapidity that left me no time for contemplation. Its centre, and of course, its greatest width, came just over the yawning gulf. I shrank back - but the closing walls pressed me resistlessly onward." - The Pit and the Pendulum

After successfully escaping the gruesome "pit and the pendulum", the narrator is soon to be found in an even deadlier trap. The final torture device used on the protagonist is a choice: either be flattened by the closing walls, or fall to eventual death by jumping in the rat infested pit. However, probably the hardest part in his task is making the decision in a matter of seconds. Although the short story contains a variety of suspense conventions, this may be the most prominent. The "ticking clock" adds the ultimate pressure on the protagonist and thus increases the suspense. Anticipating the future decision and outcome of events, the reader is now intrigued by their curiosity of his fate, and the fear of his demise.