Hidden thorns from within one's core do not easily display themselves. Shirley Jackson tells the story of “The Possibility of Evil” depicting a disgrace in behavior, in a seemingly innocent individual. This role is played by (Adela Strangeworth) as the main character, she seems to have a pure morality with her prideful household. Going through the story with her ordinary daily routine, the audience begins to realise that this woman is oblivious to her own sinister habits. This leads one to believe that although people may seem flawless, when confronted with exposure, the result is a switch in perspective of view for the observer.
The central theme revolves around Mrs.Strangeworth's roses as her “grandmother planted these roses, and mother …show more content…
Stating that it was her “duty to keep the town alert” (pg 194) of possible evil lurking. Ironically this illustrates the hypocrisy in her character, because she is the evil. Wicked words are shown as she criticizes a young couple for having an “ IDIOT CHILD” (pg. 194) that will grow up expecting luxury all her life. Deep down Audela knowns these actions are morally wrong as she writes with a “dull stub of pencil” (pg. 194) on ordinary coloured paper. Although a trimmed quill pen that had belonged to her grandfather sat nicely on the desk, she would not dare use it in fear of disgrace. This creates suspense for the reader as one slip of word could perpetually tarnish the Strangeworth name, due to Audelas mischievous …show more content…
Wise in all her years Audela knows secrecy is at the utmost priority as she does not “let anyone see her mail ”(pg 197) the cruel envelopes. This demonstrates her knowledge of the wrongdoing but ignorance to what is just. An assumption is made by the reader that this is not the first but rather one of many letters that have been sent to innocent townspeople, demonstrated by her malicious routine done with such perfection and ease. Resulting in overconfidence and sloppiness as one letter “fell outside, onto the ground “ (pg 197) beneath the mailbox. Dramatic irony is high after this moment because Audela is blind to her neglect. One of the neighbourhood children had decided to deliver the letter themselves. Resulting in a double-cross of events, the cutting of “what used to be”(pg 198) her roses. The built up tension of Mrs. Strangeworth's immoral wrongdoing finally let out for all to
The central theme revolves around Mrs.Strangeworth's roses as her “grandmother planted these roses, and mother …show more content…
Stating that it was her “duty to keep the town alert” (pg 194) of possible evil lurking. Ironically this illustrates the hypocrisy in her character, because she is the evil. Wicked words are shown as she criticizes a young couple for having an “ IDIOT CHILD” (pg. 194) that will grow up expecting luxury all her life. Deep down Audela knowns these actions are morally wrong as she writes with a “dull stub of pencil” (pg. 194) on ordinary coloured paper. Although a trimmed quill pen that had belonged to her grandfather sat nicely on the desk, she would not dare use it in fear of disgrace. This creates suspense for the reader as one slip of word could perpetually tarnish the Strangeworth name, due to Audelas mischievous …show more content…
Wise in all her years Audela knows secrecy is at the utmost priority as she does not “let anyone see her mail ”(pg 197) the cruel envelopes. This demonstrates her knowledge of the wrongdoing but ignorance to what is just. An assumption is made by the reader that this is not the first but rather one of many letters that have been sent to innocent townspeople, demonstrated by her malicious routine done with such perfection and ease. Resulting in overconfidence and sloppiness as one letter “fell outside, onto the ground “ (pg 197) beneath the mailbox. Dramatic irony is high after this moment because Audela is blind to her neglect. One of the neighbourhood children had decided to deliver the letter themselves. Resulting in a double-cross of events, the cutting of “what used to be”(pg 198) her roses. The built up tension of Mrs. Strangeworth's immoral wrongdoing finally let out for all to