In Shirley Jackson's "The Possibility of Evil", the title is not appropriate because
of the pleasant setting of the story. This can be proved by the respect that Miss Adela
Strangeworth gave to the town and her nice as well as caring behavior towards the people
in the town. Primarily, the setting of the story is calm and peaceful like a decent society.
This can be proved by the quotation, " Miss Strangeworth's little town looked washed
and bright". This analyzes that in a little town everything seems to be perfect and has
fresh as well as clear surrounding with no chance of evil. Secondly, Miss Strangeworth
shows respect to her town the same way that her grandmother used to. When Miss
Strangeworth says, " My mother tended them, just as I do" which clearly proves that she
has the same good feeling for the town like her grandmother.
Shirley Jackson
English: Behavior Analysis Laboratory Szeged Magya...
Ruff Town BehaviorThere is no harm and no
possibility of evil but instead it is being appreciated by Miss Strangeworth. Lastly, Miss
Strangeworth's behavior is nice and caring to the people in town. It is proved when Miss
Strangeworth walks down the street and says good morning and asks people's health
which proves that she has good feelings and emotions for other people. She asks about
their health, which clearly indicates that she, is a caring and loving woman. In
conclusion, the setting of the story, Miss Strangeworth's respect to her town and her nice
as well as caring behavior effectively proves that there is no evil present in the novel and
the title The Possibility of Evil is not well-suited for the story.