“The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.”
It would be that opening line that would influence my life.
I was in 8th grade literature class and we were reading and learning about Edgar Allan Poe’s short story The Cask of Amontillado. I was already a fan of Poe’s starting in 6th grade when we read “The Tell-Tale Heart”. But it would be in 8th grade that my love for Poe would be solidified.
The Cask of Amontillado showed me the beauty and art of literature. Not only did I love reading the story, but I also loved learning the details of the story more. What literary devices were used and what did these mean and how do they contribute to the story?
This opened my eyes as writers as true artists, using various tools to paint a world with words. And this all just didn’t happen by chance. No, like a painter, a literary work took time, talent and resources to make.
This short story influenced my life. After 8th grade literature become my favorite class. When it was time to choose a major in college this story guided me. I was so stuck and felt lost choosing a major. What should I study? I remembered my love of learning about The Cask of Amontillado in depth so literature became my major. And I am so thankful I choose that and I have no regrets.
So, happy 216th birthday Poe! Thank you for your masterpiece of The Cask of Amontillado and for continuing to inspire others and me still.
Caroline Evans 
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