The Possibility of Evil

Which of the following items did Miss Strangeworth NOT order from Mr. Lewis?

• A small, lean veal chop

• Strawberries

• A can of cat food

• A pound of sugar

What did Miss Strangeworth advise Helen Crane to do regarding her baby's perceived slowness?

• Encourage the baby to move around more and try to sit up.

• Apologize to the baby for worrying about her.

• Consult a doctor about the baby's development.

• Enroll the baby in dance classes immediately.

What was a prominent feature of Miss Strangeworth's house and garden that brought her deep pleasure?

• A large, well-maintained vegetable patch.

• A collection of rare, exotic plants.

• Red, pink, and white roses along the lawn and a rambler on the porch.

• A meticulously trimmed hedge surrounding the property.

What writing instrument did Miss Strangeworth consistently use for her "other letters," despite having more elegant options?

• A gold-frosted fountain pen.

• A trimmed quill pen.

• A dull stub of pencil.

• A ballpoint pen.

What was the primary subject matter of Miss Strangeworth's letters?

• Community news and upcoming events.

• Compliments and well wishes to her neighbors.

• Facts and verifiable information.

• Suspicion and insinuations about others.

What did Miss Strangeworth believe was her duty regarding the town?

• To organize social gatherings and events.

• To ensure everyone was aware of the "possible evil lurking nearby."

• To maintain the town's historical records.

• To provide financial assistance to those in need.

How does the neighborhood view Ms. Strangeworth?

• as a creepy old lady

• a kind and gentle old lady

• as a senile old lady

• as a cranky old lady

How does the author create tension in this part of the story?

• By shifting the point of view from Miss Strangeworth to the boy and focusing on his thoughts and fears

• By using dramatic irony, allowing the reader to understand the importance of the letter before the characters do

• By slowing the pacing and emphasizing ordinary actions that take on greater significance

• By introducing a sudden confrontation between Miss Strangeworth and the townspeople

At the end of The Possibility of Evil, what idea is the author most strongly emphasizing?

• Evil can only exist in communities that refuse to punish wrongdoing

• People who believe they are morally superior may cause great harm without recognizing it

• Communities function best when individuals take responsibility for monitoring one another’s behavior

• Fear is unavoidable when people are unwilling to communicate openly

How was the evil is the story repaid?

• The town fell apart without her guidance

• The townspeople quietly stop greeting Miss Strangeworth as she walks home

• Miss Strangeworth's letters continue protecting the town

• The roses in Miss Strangeworth’s garden are destroyed