The Possibility of Evil

Characterization

Miss Strangeworth

She wants to be surperior from others so she makes them feel bad for their flaws.

Miss Strange worth feels like she is the "owner" of the town and people should abide by her words.

The townsfolk see as a sweet old woman, but she is actually very judgemental.

Symbolism

Roses

Roses are pretty, but they have thorns that can injure someone.

Miss Strangeworth is a pretty and a well-dress old woman, but she hurts other's feelings with the letters she writes.

Theme

Perspective of Good

The way someone determines something is good is dependent on their perspective. Past experiences and personal wants can alter one's perspective. In the story, Miss Strangeworth believes that alerting someone to their flaws can be very helpful for them, but they might feel even more worse about themselves. In other words, the meaning of "good" based on what one's definition of it is.

Plot

Miss Strangeworth, an old woman, has always lived in a small town from birth. She believes that her family was the foundation of the town that kept the townsfolk in order. She spends her days writing letters to people who are potential threats to her "property".

POV: Third person omniscient.

Setting

A small town.

Miss Strangeworth would rather walk than drive because the town is so small.

Conflict

Person vs. Society (Interpersonal Conflict)

She believes that she is saving the town from evil, but she is the one who is creating it. She does not does realize her true hatred for people because she thinks she is doing them a good deed. She wants to create a perfect society, yet "perfect" is only subjective. In other words, she wants to control the society in her own hands.