Adela Strangeworth Character Analysis
Of Roses and Thorns A rose may look harmless from far away, but no one seems to remember that it has harmful thorns. In Shirley Jackson’s The Possibility of Evil, Adela Strangeworth appears like a normal old lady at first; however, under all her kind words are malevolence. She anonymously writes ghastly letters to the people in her neighborhood, and watches them suffer as entertainment. Furthermore, she believes that she is getting rid of the evil in her neighborhood; yet in reality, she is the one causing it. Undoubtedly, Adela Strangeworth is a vicious, arrogant and manipulative individual who is able to deceive her entire community, so that she can change it into her perfect world. Viciousness is a trait that most villains possess, and …show more content…
Strangeworth’s manipulative ability allows her to deceive others into thinking that she has the most innocent and caring intentions, which allows her to get away with all her foul letter writing. Manipulation is the ability to change the thinking of others. For example, Miss. Strangeworth always “[stops] every minute or so to say good morning to someone or to ask after someone’s health” [Jackson, 161]. She appears like a wonderful lady who cares about everyone’s well being. In reality, it is just a disguise. Indeed, she manipulates people through pretending to care about them, so she can control their thinking to satisfy her idea of a perfect town. Another example of Miss. Strangeworth’s manipulation is when she reassures Helen Crane that her infant daughter is perfectly normal: “Nonsense… All babies are different. Some of them develop much more quickly than others” [Jackson, 163]. Miss. Strangeworth manipulates Helen Crane into believing that she thinks there is nothing wrong with her baby, but Miss. Strangeworth actually thinks Helen’s baby is “AN IDIOT CHILD” [Jackson, 165]. By manipulating her community, Miss. Strangeworth is able to befriend the people as she slowly changes them to fit her standards of
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Escaping Salem The Other Witch Hunt Of 1692 Analysis
1323 Words | 6 PagesThe sudden change in Kate’s health raises suspicion from Abagail Wescot; leaving her to believe that Kate was simply faking her symptoms. Though Abagail had reason to believe Kate was simply putting on a show she then worries as concern from Daniel Wescot raises attention. Despite the conflictions the Wescots felt into determining whether or not Kate was simply duping them or was genuinely experiencing the bewitchment their daughter had once experienced; both Daniel and Abagail found it suitable to seek any advice or opinions from neighbors determining the issues going on with Kate. When seeking medical advice from the local midwife Goody Bates, she and the wescots were open to believe that Kate’s fits could’ve been caused naturally. As stated “Goody Bates saw no reason to ignore the possibility of a natural explanation” (GodBeer, pg.17).
Pleasantville Possibility Of Evil Analysis
836 Words | 4 PagesMiss Strangeworth “Never concerned herself with facts” and normally would spread rumors instead of actually informing others about ligament problems in the town (Possibility of Evil 252). Miss Strangeworth’s flaws are not just a difference, they stem from something inside of her that chooses to do harm. She could choose to be kind but instead she continues to hurt others with her letters. The concept of imperfection is illustrated in these stories in different way. The flaws could be out of the character’s control like in Pleasantville or a deliberate choice to hurt others like in Possibility of Evil.
Miss Strangeworth In The Possibility Of Evil By Shirley Jackson
753 Words | 4 Pages“The Possibility of Evil” written by Shirley Jackson and published in 1965 is a story filled with deception and trickery. Presenting the reader with sweet Miss Strangeworth, an older lady who is dedicated to helping her town. As the story continues readers quickly see that Miss Strangeworth is multifaceted but still has good intentions. This can be proven through what Miss Strangeworth does, what the narrator states about her, and how the other characters interact with her. Miss Strangeworth’s thoughts and actions showcase her multifaceted personality and good intentions.
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Miss Strangeworth In The Possibility Of Evil By Shirley Jackson
622 Words | 3 PagesTo demonstrate, Miss Strangeworth is selfish because in “The possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson , she says, “but it should have been a statue of my grandfather. There wouldn’t have been a town here at all if it hadn't been for my grandfather and the lumber mill.” She believes that her grandfather was the one who created the town, but he wasn’t. It had to have been multiple people other than her grandfather. For
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449 Words | 2 PagesIn conclusion, Miss Strangeworth thought that the town people were corrupt and evil, but it was actually her. Miss Strangeworth makes unethical decisions that lead to hurt feelings among the people in her town. Miss Strangeworth’s intentions are to protect the town’s people from evil while her external actions create her own type of evil. Miss Strangeworth corrupts the relationships of the other people in town toward one another and towards her. In the words of Albert Einstein “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about
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900 Words | 4 Pages“Miss Strangeworth is a familiar fixture in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. Little do the townsfolk suspect, though, that the dignified old woman leads another, secret life…”. A secret life can be evil or good, in Miss Strangeworth’s case it is suitable, but do others appreciate this secret life. In The Possibility of Evil Shirley Jackson illustrates inner thinking, revealing action, and symbolism to show how Miss Strangeworth tends the people like her roses, but truly state's them evil.
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781 Words | 4 PagesThis quote also gives you an idea of how Miss Strangeworth enjoyed gossip or talking about someone behind their back. Miss Strangeworth was writing letters to “The town where she lived had to be kept clean and sweet” it's ironic how she could say this when in reality she was doing all the evil of the town. The way Miss
Miss Strangeworth In The Possibility Of Evil
114 Words | 1 PagesThe character Miss Strangeworth in the literature “The Possibility of Evil” in inconsiderate and a perfectionist. She is inconsiderate because of her thoughts and actions. For example, Miss Strangeworth thinks this “Miss Strangeworth noticed that Miss Chandler had not taken much trouble with her hair that morning, and sighed” (Jackson 112-114). This reveals how inconsiderate she is to others solely picking out their imperfections. Miss Strangeworth is also a perfectionist who disdains imperfection or sloppiness.
Miss Adela Strangeworth In The Possibility Of Evil By Shirley Jackson
691 Words | 3 PagesFor most people, the words evil and harsh are not the typical traits used to describe an elderly woman. However, in the short story “The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson, the 71 year old character Miss Adela Strangeworth, has a dark predatory nature hiding behind her highly respectable and sweet exterior. She preys upon her peers by misleading them into thinking everything is fine, only to subsequently tear them down. She accomplishes this by concealing her cruel, deceitful and perfectionist personality by maintaining an honourable reputation within her town. Miss Strangeworth shows no mercy when she anonymously reveals secrets about the family and lives of people in her community.
'Southern Gothicism In A Possibility Of Evil'
617 Words | 3 PagesThe best understanding of the short story “A Possibility of Evil” comes from trusting the characteristics of the literary movement of Southern Gothicism. Southern Gothicism focuses on the american south as a result of the civil war. It is believed that Southern Gothicism exposes the problems of society through complex characters who are often damaged or even delusional. This theme of exposing society through a complex character is very consistent with that of Miss Strangeworth, the old lady who writes anonymous letters to other citizens of her small town. The letters she writes often hint to the problems in her town, Line 138 on Page 4 states that “...evil existed unchecked in the world, it was Miss Strangeworth’s duty to keep her town alert to it”
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645 Words | 3 Pages“ How old is her highness now?”” (Jackson, 21) Miss Strangeworth is giving off a hint of rudeness while talking to Helen Crane. Later in the story Miss Strangeworth writes a letter to Helen saying that she had an “idiot child”. Miss Strangeworth carefully watched what she said in person, but behind the letters she says
Susanna Kason Character Analysis
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