A lurking Evilness

       “The Possibility of Evil” is a classic mystery short story written by Shirley Jackson. In the story Miss Strangeworth lives alone in her family house on Pleasant Street, and she acts as exemplar in the community. Her family history made her an irreplaceable role in town. Miss Strangeworth seems to be a friendly grandmotherly figure in the public, and also a representative for the town. “No one in the town would dare to disturb Strangeworth during her afternoon nap.” (pg.6). Narrator describes Miss Strangeworth in such way that shows her importance in the town. “It would have been most reprehensible for their parents to prevent their children to mock Miss Strangeworth of Pleasant Street.” (pg. 7) Miss Strangeworth has the respects from everyone in the community. But Miss Strangeworth is also self central, and she is full of self righteousness. She believed that it is her duty to keep the town peaceful and safe. “She sometimes found herself thinking that the town belongs to her.” (pg. 1) Miss Strangeworth’s grandfather built the first house in town on Pleasant Street, and she is the oldest family in town. She feels that she “owns” the town, and it is hers to keep. She admitted to herself, “There wouldn’t be a town here if it hadn’t been for my grandfather.” (pg. 1) Her family history had influenced her, and she thinks that she is the Alpha and the “best”. “There were so many wicked people and there was only one Miss Strangeworth left for it.” (pg. 7) Miss Strangeworth despises the other people in town, and assumes she is the ultimate justice. Even though Miss Strangeworth might seem charming and nice to the other people, but she lives a different life behind people’s back when she is out of the public’s eye. “Didn’t you ever see an idiot child before? Some people just shouldn’t have children. Should they?” (pg. 4) Miss Strangeworth takes gossip from people around the town, then writes warning letters to them anonymously, but the letters are completely based on assumptions “If she had been asked, She would have said that her name, Adela Strangeworth..did not belong on such trash.” (pg. 5) Miss Strangeworth is acting in front of the public, and she lied to the people that trusted her and believed in her. “Miss Strangeworth awakened the next morning with a feeling of intense happiness and, for a minute, wondered why, and then remembered this morning three people would open her letters.” (pg. Miss Strangeworth might have a good intention at first for the goods of the town, but she is actually enjoyed seeing other people agonized about her letters. Miss Strangeworth lives a different identity behind the public’s glare, even though her intention was justified, but underneath her outward congeniality, there may be a pure evilness lurking.