The Possibility of Evil Flashcards

Study Notes

Antagonist in "The Possibility of Evil"

Society acts as the antagonist, in contrast to Miss Strangeworth's judgmental perspective on the otherwise happy lives of others.
Miss Strangeworth's sense of superiority leads to a conflict with the community.

Protagonist

Miss Strangeworth is the central character who demonstrates complex traits.

Theme

Evil is omnipresent and can manifest anywhere, underscored by the anonymity of the town and the hypocrisy of Miss Strangeworth, who appears benevolent while enacting malevolence.
Attempts to eliminate wickedness can result in creating it; Miss Strangeworth's actions lead to her own moral downfall.
Power dynamics are explored, revealing how Strangeworth manipulates her reputation and influence.
One individual can have significant negative impacts on a community.

External Conflict

The main external conflict is Person vs. Society; Miss Strangeworth's negative actions stem from her misconstrued perceptions rather than direct provocations from others.

Setting

The story takes place primarily in Miss Strangeworth's house and on a picturesque street, highlighting an ironic contrast between appearance and reality.

Simile

"Old Lady Stangeworth's getting deaf, like a falling leaf" illustrates her detachment from reality.
Descriptions of Miss Chandler evoke a sense of distraction and introspection.

Metaphor

Roses symbolize Miss Strangeworth's public image and respect in the community, which ultimately becomes tarnished by her covert actions.

Personification

The "possibility of evil" reflects Miss Strangeworth's internal conflicts, projecting her insecurities and malevolence onto her surroundings.

Foreshadowing

The title itself hints at forthcoming malicious actions, setting the reader's expectations for a conflict.
The unusual name "Adela Strangeworth" suggests her potential for bizarre behavior or wicked deeds.
Miss Strangeworth's possessive remarks about the town and her roses indicate an underlying desire for control, foreshadowing negative events linked to her cherished possessions.

Symbols

Roses represent deceptive beauty and the idea that outward appearances can be misleading; despite their beauty, they have hidden thorns, mirroring Miss Strangeworth's duality.

Description

Explore the main characters and themes in Shirley Jackson's 'The Possibility of Evil' through these flashcards. Gain insights into the roles of the protagonist and antagonist, and how they interact with societal norms. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic short story.