English Lang Arts 10-1 RVS

Keep in mind that you must be respectful of others at all times, which includes using language appropriate to the school setting. In the words of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, "Never attack the individual. We can be in total disagreement with someone without denigrating them as a consequence."

You may compose your responses in a Word document, but then copy and paste into the body of a new posting. DO NOT POST WORD DOCUMENTS. Provide evidence and explanations for your initial post, as well as the comments you make on your classmates' postings.

Comment, in detail, on at least three of your classmates’ postings. Respond with more than simply "I agree" or "Great post."

"The Possibility of Evil"

1. Is the title of this story, “The Possibility of Evil”, appropriate? Explain why or why not. If not, provide a more appropriate title.

2. How has Shirley Jackson (the author) developed the character of Miss Strangeworth through her:

physical appearance
actions and speech
thoughts and feelings
the reactions of others to her

3. Discuss the significance of the following lines:

“. . . as long as evil existed in the world, it was Miss Strangeworth’s duty to keep her town alert to it.”
“This was, after all, her town, and these were her people; if one of them was in trouble she ought to know about it.”
“She began to cry silently for the wickedness of the world when she read the words . . .”