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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Miss Strangeworth thinks about the Cranes "indulgently" (421). How does she think about them?
(a) With the kindness that a person shows to someone who needs a little extra generosity or lenience.
(b) With the scorn that people show towards those who eat, drink, or do other things to excess.
(c) In the surprised way that an adult looks at a child that has done something strange.
(d) In the forgiving but irritated way that an adult looks at a misbehaving child.

2. When Miss Strangeworth thinks to herself "People must live graciously, after all," (425), what does this show about her as a person?
(a) She is a very selfish person.
(b) She wants everyone to have a life as nice as hers.
(c) She understands the irony of her position in the town.
(d) She understands very little about other people.

3. What does Helen Crane say she is worried that her daughter should be doing more?
(a) Babbling and making speech sounds.
(b) Eating.
(c) Looking around at the world.
(d) Trying to move around.

4. When does Miss Strangeworth generally mail her letters?
(a) In the middle of the night.
(b) Very early in the morning.
(c) Whenever she sees that there are not a lot of people at the post office.
(d) Around the time the sun sets.

5. What is the purpose of including the details about how many people Miss Strangeworth talks to on her trip to the grocery store?
(a) It shows that the townspeople all need something from Miss Strangeworth.
(b) It shows that Miss Strangeworth is a helpful and kind neighbor.
(c) It shows that the townspeople like and trust her.
(d) It shows that Miss Strangeworth is nosy.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Linda says "Catch old lady Strangeworth sending anybody a check," (427), what is she implying?

2. What mood is evoked by the detail about Miss Strangeworth's table being capable of expanding to seat 22?

3. What word is repeatedly used to describe the day on which the story opens?

4. Why does Miss Strangeworth fail to notice the important detail about her letters?

5. Who is the author of "The Possibility of Evil"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which writing utensils does Miss Strangeworth have available, and which one does she choose for her anonymous notes?

2. Describe Miss Strangeworth's relationship with Tommy Lewis.

3. What is ironic about Miss Strangeworth's criticisms of Helen and Don Crane's parenting?

4. What details does Jackson provide about the interior of Miss Strangeworth's house to show the pride the family has always taken in the house?

5. What does Miss Strangeworth write to Mrs. Foster about her upcoming surgery, and what is she implying?

6. What evidence is there in the story that Miss Strangeworth is well-known and respected in the town?

7. What worry does Helen Crane express about her baby daughter, and how does Miss Strangeworth respond to her concerns?

8. What is ironic about Miss Strangeworth's thoughts as she notices that various townspeople seem distressed?

9. What does the green letter at the end of the story say, and what does it imply?

10. Explain how Miss Strangeworth's need to do things perfectly is shown in how she writes her letters.

(see the answer keys)

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