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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) Slowly, in an unsteady and careful manner.
(b) Boldly, as if she is in charge of her surroundings.
(c) Delicately, with small steps; in a charming way.
(d) Quickly, briskly, as if she is in a hurry.

2. According to Miss Strangeworth, to whom should Helen apologize?
(a) Her mother.
(b) Her husband.
(c) The baby.
(d) Miss Strangeworth.

3. Miss Strangeworth thinks that people everywhere are "degraded" (425). What does this mean that she thinks about people?
(a) They can be ranked according to how good or bad they are.
(b) They have fallen below the standards of moral, civilized life.
(c) They try to sneak around and do bad things without getting caught.
(d) They are easily led into evil actions.

4. Miss Strangeworth thinks that the Cranes are "infatuated" (421). What would this mean is true about the couple?
(a) They have a difficult relationship and often argue.
(b) They are kind people but perhaps not very intelligent.
(c) They are in love, in an exaggerated and perhaps foolish way.
(d) They are strange people who often seem out of touch with others.

5. According to the narrator, how do the townspeople feel about Miss Strangeworth and her house and her roses?
(a) Proud.
(b) Irritated.
(c) Amused.
(d) Jealous.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is implied about Miss Strangeworth's choice of the multicolored paper for her notes?

2. What does Helen Crane say she is worried that her daughter should be doing more?

3. When Miss Strangeworth discovers how much trouble she has caused for Linda and Dave, what does she think about it?

4. What does Miss Strangeworth fail to notice about her letters?

5. Who was the first owner of the grocery store?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe the setting of the story "The Possibility of Evil."

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

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

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

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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