The Possibility of Evil Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the point of view in the story?

Fourth person

Second person

First person

Third person (correct)

Who is the antagonist in the story?

The whole town

Who is the protagonist in the story?

Miss Adela Strangeworth

What is the setting of the story?

1950s Main Street, a friendly but suspenseful atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What types of conflicts are present in the story? (Select all that apply)

Man vs Man Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conflict faced by Miss Strangeworth?

Miss Strangeworth trying to remove evil and solve the problems before they spread Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax of the story?

When Miss Strangeworth drops the letter instead of mailing it Signup and view all the answers

How does the protagonist change over the course of the story?

She appears like a nice lady but then the reader finds out she sends rude letters to the townspeople Signup and view all the answers

Describe the character of Miss Adela Strangeworth.

She was 78 years old, knew everyone in town, fond of her house and roses, with two different personalities. Signup and view all the answers

How long has Miss Strangeworth lived in her town?

She was born there and never spent more than a day outside this town. Signup and view all the answers

How do the town's visitors respond to Miss Strangeworth's roses?

They admire them and often ask if she would give them some. Signup and view all the answers

How do the townspeople react to Miss Strangeworth?

They respond to her nicely, thinking of her as a pleasant lady. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the relationship between Tommy Lewis and Miss Strangeworth.

They were good friends in high school but became formal after he left school. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Martha Harper's behavior as she reaches for her pocketbook.

Martha's hand shook slightly, indicating her distress. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss Miss Strangeworth's interactions with Helen Crane and Miss Chandler.

She comforts Helen about her baby and criticizes Miss Chandler's appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the town think of Miss Strangeworth?

...the town was proud of Miss Strangeworth and her roses and house. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the papers Miss Strangeworth uses to write letters?

She uses engraved paper for her sinister letters and colored paper for others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Miss Strangeworth's letters?

To keep her town alert and free of evil. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the statement about people being disturbed ironic?

Because it is her letters causing the disturbance among people. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Strangeworth consider her role in the community?

To keep her town alert to everything going on. Signup and view all the answers

What is the irony of Miss Strangeworth's thoughts after writing letters?

She believes she is keeping evil out, but she is actually spreading it. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Miss Strangeworth not suspect the children of laughing at her?

She thinks she is a respected member of the community. Signup and view all the answers

What conversation does Miss Strangeworth overhear?

A conversation between Dave Harris and Linda Stewart about their relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Strangeworth see as the evil in people?

She believes evil exists everywhere and is inadvertently promoting it. Signup and view all the answers

How do the townspeople discover Miss Strangeworth's role in the letters?

They find out when she drops a letter and it is delivered back to them. Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Strangeworth view her punishment?

She thinks it is wickedness of the world, not her own doing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Perspectives

Point of View: Narrative is presented in third person, allowing insights into multiple characters' thoughts and feelings.
Protagonist: Miss Adela Strangeworth, a seemingly pleasant elderly woman with a hidden agenda.
Antagonist: The town itself, representing collective ignorance and the consequences of her actions.

Setting and Atmosphere

Time and Place: Set in 1950s America, specifically a quaint Main Street that possesses an underlying tension masked by friendliness.

Conflicts

Types of Conflicts:
- Man vs. Man: Miss Strangeworth's tensions with the townspeople due to her malicious letters.
- Man vs. Society: Her struggle against the perceived evil within her community and her misguided efforts to address it.

Plot Development

Main Conflict: Centered on Miss Strangeworth's misguided mission to eliminate evil, which she believes threatens her town.
Climax: The moment Miss Strangeworth reconciles her actions when she drops one of her infamous letters, highlighting the tension between her intentions and reality.

Character Analysis

Miss Adela Strangeworth:
- Age: 78, a lifetime resident of the town.
- Nature: Combines charm and malice; possessive of her roses, sees herself as a guardian against evil.

Community Relations

Ties to the Town: Strangeworth's deep-rooted history affects her perspective; she considers the town a familial belonging despite her isolation.
Interactions: Residents have a favorable impression of her, viewing her as a benevolent figure unaware of the real impact of her actions.

Symbolism and Themes

Roses: Represent her pride and the façade of beauty, contrasting with the ugliness of her actions.
Letters: Serve as tools of manipulation; her belief in using suspicion showcases an ironic twist as they spread the very evil she aims to combat.

Key Moments

Observations of Other Characters: Strangeworth critiques others, displaying her judgmental nature and her refusal to acknowledge her flaws.
Consequences of Actions: Realization of her influence comes only after her letters lead to turmoil among residents, ultimately leading to the destruction of her roses.

Irony and Reflection

Miss Strangeworth's Punishment: She perceives herself as a martyr fighting evil yet fails to grasp the real harm caused—this irony culminates in her emotional breakdown when faced with the consequences.
Community's Reaction: The townspeople retaliate by destroying her roses, symbolizing a rejection of her moral authority.

Conclusion

Miss Strangeworth’s Realization: Ends with her crying over the wickedness of the world, underscoring the irony that her efforts to cleanse her community led to her own desolation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key elements from 'The Possibility of Evil'. This quiz covers important literary concepts such as point of view, protagonists, antagonists, and conflicts found within the story. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.