The Possibility of EvilShort Story by Shirley Jackson

Introducing the Short Story

Literary Analysis: CharacterMotivation

Reading Skill: Make Inferences

Vocabulary in Context

The Possibility of Evil

INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY

How good are you at JUDGING people?

The main character in “The Possibility of Evil” believes she can read into the hearts of those around her.

Do you think it is so easy to judge people?

Are you confident that you would recognize evil if you came face to face with it?

The Possibility of Evil

INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY

DISCUSS

With a group, fill in a description wheel for the word evil.

Then use the ideas you have brainstormed to create a definition of the word.

How good are you at JUDGING people?

Evil

destroyingothers

immoral

The Possibility of Evil

Character Motivation

One way of learning about a character is to consider his orher motivation—the reasons behind the character’s actions.

The Possibility of Evil

Character Motivation

Writers usually do not directly state a character’s motivation.Instead, readers often must figure out motivation by thinking about• the character’s

words, thoughts, and actions• how other characters

react to him or her

The Possibility of Evil

In “The Possibility of Evil,” Miss Strangeworth believes she acts in response to a moral dilemma: a choice between two options that violate one’s moral principles.

As you read, think about whether Miss Strangeworth is really motivated by moral principles, or if she has other reasons for her actions.

Character Motivation

The Possibility of Evil

Make Inferences

For example, if a character crosses to the other side of the street as another character approaches, you may infer that he or she doesn’t like the other character.

When you make inferences about a character, you apply your knowledge of human behavior to clues provided in the text.

The Possibility of Evil

As you read “The Possibility of Evil,” note details that help you make inferences about the thoughts and feelings of characters. Use a diagram like the one shown here.

Make Inferences

After Tommy began working at thegrocery, Miss Strangeworth calledhim Mr. Lewis.

Details from Story Inferences

She no longer thinks of Mr. Lewisas her friend or equal.

The Possibility of EvilThe Possibility of Evil

degraded adj. corrupted, depraved

infatuated adj. intensely fond

negotiable adj. able to be bargained with

rapt adj. fully absorbed; entranced

reprehensible adj. deserving blame and criticism

translucent adj. allowing light to shine through