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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. When Miss Strangeworth is walking "daintily" along Main Street, (417), how is she walking?
(a) Quickly, briskly, as if she is in a hurry.
(b) Delicately, with small steps; in a charming way.
(c) Slowly, in an unsteady and careful manner.
(d) Boldly, as if she is in charge of her surroundings.

2. What detail is included to show that Miss Chandler is upset about something?
(a) She has clearly been crying.
(b) She seems distracted and is a little rude.
(c) Her hair does not look as neat as usual.
(d) She looks as if she has not slept well.

3. Helen Crane looks at her baby with "rapt wonder" (421). How is she looking at the baby?
(a) With a puzzled, pinched look.
(b) With a startled, questioning look.
(c) With all of her attention on something amazing.
(d) With a focused suspicion.

4. What do people in town assume it means when someone writes on blue paper?
(a) They are irritated at the person they are writing to.
(b) They could not afford the more expensive cream-colored paper.
(c) They are almost out of paper.
(d) They are trying to show off.

5. What does Miss Strangeworth tell Mr. Lewis that he has forgotten to do?
(a) Stock the brand of cat food she needs.
(b) Tell his grandson that she said "hello."
(c) Charge her for the strawberries.
(d) Remind her to buy tea.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Miss Strangeworth seem to think her family's place in the world is?

2. When Miss Strangeworth looks out the window after the story ends, what will she see?

3. According to the narrator, how do the townspeople feel about Miss Strangeworth and her house and her roses?

4. What kind of flowers does Miss Strangeworth send to the church for the celebration of the new minister's arrival?

5. According to Miss Strangeworth, to whom should Helen apologize?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the main character of "The Possibility of Evil."

2. 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?

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

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

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

6. What is ironic about Dave Harris being the one to find and deliver Miss Strangeworth's dropped letter?

7. Describe the exterior of Miss Strangeworth's house.

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

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

10. Describe Miss Strangeworth's feelings about her roses.

(see the answer keys)

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