“The Possibility of Evil”
by Shirley Jackson
Short answer questions: Answer the following questions in your notebooks in
complete sentences.
1. Who is Miss Adela Strangeworth and what is her history? (2)
2. How does the author create a positive image of Miss Strangeworth at the
beginning of the story? Why is this image more important to the ending? (2)
3. What are Miss Strangeworth’s reasons for send nasty letters to people?
4. “Miss Strangeworth never bothered about facts.” (216) Why is this an
important piece of information for the reader to know?
5. What does the Harris boy say while he is delivering the letter?
Long answer questions: Answer the following question in your notebook in an
organized paragraph.
1. Explain why the title of this short story is appropriate.
Group work: Answer the following question in your group and share your
answers with the class.
1. Explain the significance and symbolism of :
The roses
Her name
The notepaper