<P> While not as well - known or read as her later classic, "The Lottery", it later became a set work in high school English classes . </P> <P> The title of this story bears reference to the malicious and cold - hearted letters that are being circulated around the village in which there is' no possibility of evil .' This means that the novel is a contrast and that the village, in fact, represents Strangeworth herself, a poor old lady in which there is no trace of cruelty . This is not only a display of dramatic irony, but also a reference of the contrast between us as humans on the inside, and the people we choose to show others . </P> <P> Miss Adela Strangeworth lives on Pleasant Street in her ancestral home . She is described prominently as a harmless old lady in the beginning of the story . Through conversations with the people in her town, it is evident that Miss Strangeworth often believes that she owns the town, and has great interest in the townspeople . She also takes great pride in the orderliness of her house, as well as her family roses . However, Miss Strangeworth is not such a quiet figure in her town; she often writes anonymous letters to her neighbors, which are rarely based on fact and more on what gossip she has heard during her walks down the streets . When she is mailing some of them, one is dropped on the ground and one of her neighbors (whom she had once made a subject of her uncouth letters) notices, and, feeling kind, delivers it to the intended recipient (unaware the letter is meant to be anonymous). The next morning, Miss Strangeworth receives a similarly written letter, informing her that her roses, a source of her familial pride, have been destroyed . The story examines many themes, such as a person being two - faced, as well as how a single person can make a mark on a community . </P> <P> Miss Strangeworth: Miss Adela Strangeworth is a pensioner living on Pleasant Street, who is pleased with her lifestyle, the rest of the village's respect for her, and, above all, her roses . She often goes into town, is sociable and is liked . However, behind this, she also sends poison pen letters to other members of the village . Many literary critics believe that a great deal of symbolism is in her name . Strangeworth seems to come from stranger, which tells the reader that she is, deep down, a stranger to all of the rest of the village, despite their belief that they know her . </P>

Theme of the possibility of evil by shirley jackson