The Possibility of Evil

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Miss Strangeworth’s roses are frequently mentioned in this story: tourists remark on them, she has them arranged throughout her house, and she never gives them away.

• What do Miss Strangeworth’s roses mean to her? (topic sentence)
• Why is their destruction so devastating to her?
• Conclude with a sentence that identifies the significance of the symbol of Miss Strangeworth’s roses.

2. Part of Miss Strangeworth’s regular routine involves writing anonymous, cruel letters to her neighbors. What do her habits reveal about her character?

• How is Miss Strangeworth’s letter-writing habit a departure from her normal behavior? (topic sentence)
• How is it a continuation of her normal behavior?
• Conclude with a sentence that answers the following question: What does this imply about Miss Strangeworth’s characterization?

3. Miss Strangeworth believes herself to be revered by everyone around her, as a wealthy woman and a link to the town’s past. What are some clues that this might not be the case?